He Will Come Back
Scripture Reading — Matthew 25:31-46
This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back …
Acts 1:11
The Spirit’s work in applying and spreading the news of Good Friday and Easter doesn’t go on forever. It has a goal: Christ is coming back to restore all things.
He is also coming back as Judge. All wrongs will be put right. “The King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance … For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’” Serving the least of Jesus’ own is the same as serving him. His kingdom is, then, our inheritance. But, for those who have not loved the least of his children nor helped them in their need, there is punishment outside the kingdom.
Jesus’ return means that we, his redeemed people, are accountable for how we live. Our accountability to the Lord and to people who are needy is the same. My attention in class at school is enhanced by knowing there will be a test at the end. What’s different about the test when Jesus returns is that our final “grade,” our inheritance prepared in Christ with the creation of the world, is ready and waiting for us. So let’s show our thanks for all God’s care by showing everyone God’s great love.
Thank you, Father, for the promise of Jesus’ return. Lord Jesus, we live in you. Free us from anxiety about your return and free us up for serving the least of your children. Amen.
About the author — John Rozeboom
Rev. John Rozeboom is a retired pastor of the Christian Reformed Church and a former director of Christian Reformed Home Missions. Currently he is coaching and supporting elders, ministers, and a congregation in mission. John and Linda Rozeboom live in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and they have two married children and five grandchildren.
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