Hennie Symington

“A little while and you will no longer see me, and again a little while, and you will see me.”   John 16:16

If there is one event that the New Testament is very clear about, it is the second coming, for one thing is certain - Jesus did not leave us without intending to return. And this time in glory! So convinced were the early Christians of Jesus’ imminent return that they lived in an exaggerated expectation of his return, to the extent that they neglected their daily duties.

As we live through the trials in our life or take note of the tribulations all around us, our hearts yearn for a time of peace. John’s yearning in Revelation 22:20 for Jesus to return quickly becomes the yearning of all who suffer and have lost hope: “The one who testifies to these things says: “Surely I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.

The Bible also makes it very clear, that He will come to judge at the second coming. Justice shall reign and rebellion against God will be punished. At this time, God will demand reckoning from everyone, both the living and the dead.

How can we be so sure of this? We can be sure that God takes us as humans seriously. We are not puppets in his hands. Neither are we pawns in a game of Satan versus God. Humans have a God-given ability to choose either for or against him. However, if this was the only reality, we as humans are surely doomed, for who can stand before the judgement seat in complete innocence? No-one is without sin. Yet, we need not despair for our judge is also our Saviour! Jesus Christ took sins upon himself. Thus, when the Book is opened, and our sins are brought before the Judge, and we have to give reckoning of our of lives, the unthinkable happens: We are invited into the presence of God. And thanks be to Christ our Saviour, we shall be saved.

Prayer: Father, thank you for sending your Son to us in real time while heaven awaited his return for time eternal. Like the disciples, let us keep watch for the hour and the time that Christ will return so that we will be prepared to meet our Creator and Saviour. Amen