The Second Coming
0 comments | Posted by Steven Layson on 06 Sep 2009 in From Steve's Study ::
There is a very common storyline in literature and movies that goes something like this: Many years ago, there was peace under the rule of a benevolent leader. This leader has gone and bad times have come. There are prophecies and predictions that one day the king would return to put things right. Finally, that day has arrived; the one long hoped for has appeared and he will put everything to right. You see it in “The Lord of the Rings”, “Star Wars”, “The Matrix” and even “Harry Potter”.
So, is the Christian hope of the second coming of Jesus just another in a long line of such stories? Are we just as likely to see his return as we are to see Harry Potter come to life? It’s been quite some time since Jesus died and returned to his Father in heaven – is it rational to think he might come back one day?
And if he is to come back, when will it be? Many have sought to predict Jesus’ return, but with no success. For example, after 14 years of studying the Bible, William Miller became convinced that Christ would return in 1843. Although he gave three possible dates in 1843 and 1844 when he might come, they all sailed past without a wimper. The Jehovah’s Witnesses have similarly predicted a number of possible dates when they were sure Jesus would return – but nothing.
In Paul’s first letter to the Thessalonians, it is clear that they too had a number of confusions regarding Christ’s return. Very briefly, he wanted them to know that they could be sure that Jesus would certainly return one day, but that no one will know beforehand when that will be. His return will be sudden and “unmissable”.
But Paul’s main aim in talking to them about this is not to fuel speculation, but rather to give inspiration. In the light that Jesus will return one day, Christians should be “alert” and “self-controlled”, putting on “faith”, “hope” and “love”, making sure that we continue to encourage each other so we will be ready when he does appear.
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