Old Testament : Zech. 2:6-13

Psalm : 50:1-15

Epistle : 1 Thess. 5:12-24

Gospel : Jn. 16:16-24

Verse for meditation:   “Rejoice always” (1 Thess. 5:16).   The greatest demonstration of a victorious Christian living is to appear rejoicing, prepared to welcome the coming of the Lord. We affirm our faith that the Lord will come again through the Apostles and Nicene creeds. There are references to the second coming of the Lord Jesus Christ not only in the New Testament but also in the Old Testament. For every 25 verses there is one reference to the second coming of Christ in the New Testament. There are almost 320 references in the New Testament regarding the second coming of Christ. It can be substantiated from the following verses.  

 The Testimony of Jesus (Mtt.24,25; Mk 13; Lk 21; Jn 14:1-3, 16: 1-5).

 The witness of the angels (Acts 1:11)

 The testimony of the apostles:

 Peter (Pet 5:4; 2 Pet 3:10-13 etc.)

 Paul (1 Thess. 4:16,17, 5:2 etc.

 Jude (14,15)

 James (James 5:7,8)

 John (1Jn 2:28)

 The testimony at the Lord’s Supper (1 Cor 11:26)

 The prayer of the Church (Rev. 22:20).

  The Church believes in the coming of the Lord in the literal sense, but the time of the coming is not given clearly (Matt 24:36; 1 Thess. 5:2). Therefore, the church is alerted to be ready at all times. There are different opinions on the purpose of the Lord’s coming. First and foremost, the purpose of the Lord’s coming is to comfort his people. Secondly, it is to judge the people. Thirdly, he comes to collect his own people into the glorious permanent tent.

1. For the comforting of his people (Jn. 16:16 – 24)

Jesus has promised that at his coming all tears will be wiped out and the sadness will turn into joy (Jn. 16:20). The New Testament presupposes that the Lord is coming to collect God’s people together and wipe away all tears from their eyes (1 Thess. 4:16,17; Rev. 7:17, 21:4,5). The apostle says that he comes for the salvation of those who are waiting for him. A total redemption will happen at the coming of the Lord (Heb. 9:28). This redemption is not only for man but it is a cosmic redemption. Paul says the whole creation groans with the birth pangs for the day of the appearing of the son of man (Rom. 8:18-25).

2. To judge (Zech. 2:10-13)

Some theologians are of the opinion that the judgment referred at Zech. 2:10-132 and 15.50:4-6 point to the judgment of the last days .On that day will happen a judgment that will bring down rulers from their thrones and lift up the humble, fill the hungry with good things and send the rich away empty (Lk. 1:51 – 53). Lord Jesus Christ will come back to render apt reward for all the works that everyone had done (2 Cor. 5:10; 1 Cor. 3:11-15; Matt 12:36, 37; Rom 2:16; 1 Cor. 4:5).

3. Eternal place to be prepared (1 Thess. 5:12-24)

We find the teaching of Paul in Thess. 5:12-24 after talking about the second coming of Christ. He says that the Lord Jesus Christ comes back to give a permanent joyful eternal home for his people. It is believed that his people will live in eternity for endless ages (Jn. 14:1-3; Rev 21:1-3). One need to be called ‘faithful servant’ and enlisted here. Here is the essence of the Christian hope of living with the Lord who is the bride groom. So Paul admonishes to prepare and wait upon happily for the coming of the Lord (1 Thess. 5:12-24). One should be watchful and praying (Lk 21:26).

Prayer:

  Almighty God, Who deems us as the apple of Your eye as we joyfully wait to receive Your Son as our redeemer, sanctify our spirit, soul and body to be kept blameless at the coming to Your Son, so that when He shall come after a little while to be our judge with righteousness and faithfulness, we would behold Him with sure confidence, Through Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, One God, now and forever more.  

Amen.