Dear friends,
As I write, our country and the wider world in some cases, is watching expectantly for the answers to questions about such matters as a possible Russian invasion of Ukraine, justice and relief for the people of Afghanistan, the outcome of a police investigation into No 10 Downing Street ‘parties’, whether Boris Johnson will resign and who will replace Dame Cressida Dick – to mention just a few. There is no absolute certainty attaching to any of these expectations but they occupy the thoughts of the media and the general public and quite possibly you and me.
One event, however, is certain: the return of the Lord Jesus Christ. Now that’s been promised for a very long time and, since it hasn’t happened yet, we may not be looking for it as keenly as we should. It is somewhat strange that we are not watching for it all that acutely because, unlike the other things we are watching, this one is actually promised by none other than the Lord himself. And he hasn’t broken a single promise yet, and he never will!
For most of the things we expect we have plenty of warning – advancing old age, impending retirement, upcoming holidays, the birth of a baby and so on. But there will be no warning of Jesus’ return. He will come as a thief in the night (no burglar ever phones in advance to arrange a time!). He will come while life is going on as normal with people eating and drinking, getting married and giving their daughters in marriage. So it will be, all of a sudden, with the glorious appearing of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, King of kings and Lord of lords.
All evil, trouble, sorrow, anxiety and uncertainty will be over when he comes as Judge and to take to himself for ever those whom he has redeemed by his precious blood. Then the uncertainties and injustices of situations like Ukraine, Afghanistan, partygate, police and prime ministers, and everything else, will all be resolved. Then there will be a new heaven and a new earth, the home of righteousness.
So, as we look out over our world, where does our hope, our expectation lie? In man’s frailty or in God’s total trustworthiness? Are we watching and praying for Jesus’ return, and are we ready?
Your brother in Christ,
PS If you haven’t yet booked in for the Spring Reunion Event on March 12th do make sure you do so by February 28th – swbible.focus@gmail.com