JESUS CHRIST IS COMING AGAIN!!
"This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven" (Acts 1:11, NKJV)
Devotion #15 of 15

"EVEN SO, COME LORD JESUS!"
	Throughout this series of devotions I have sought to focus on the EMPHASIS of Scripture regarding the coming of the Lord. I have deliberately chosen NOT to shine the spotlight on subsidiary subjects relating to this theme, knowing that they tend to capture our attention, and even divert our attention from Jesus. For some, this is disappointing, for they have a keen interest in such things as a one world government, the great tribulation, the mark of the beast, the rapture of the church, the antichrist, etc., etc., etc. Still others want to know the sequence of events that surround the coming of the Lord. You are certainly at liberty to pursue subjects however you see fit. I will not condemn you for probing into those things – but they must not be your emphasis, and they certainly must not be a test of fellowship, or the means of determining whether of not you will listen to someone.

	Time could have been spent delineating the tares being gathered FIRST (Matt 13:30,40), or the WICKED being taken away rather than the righteous (Matt 24:38-39). Rather, our emphasis has been Christ's appearing itself, and the things the Spirit has clearly related to that appearing. It is then that all the saved will be "gathered" unto Him (2 Thess 2:1). That is when the wicked will be punished (2 Thess 1:8-10), and the "wicked one," or "man of sin," be destroyed "with the brightness of His coming" (2 Thess 2:7-8). The COMING itself is the "blessed hope" of the people of God–the premier event for which they long (Tit 2:11-13). That is when the present heavens and earth will pass away, and the new heavens and earth appear (2 Pet 3:10-13). We are "waiting for His Son from heaven" (1 Cor 1:7; 1 Thess 1:10). Believers partake of the Lord's table in anticipation of that return (1 Cor 11:26). Then is when we will receive our new bodies (Phil 3:20-21), and will "appear with him in glory" (Col 3:4). 

	The thrust of Christ's teaching on this theme involves readiness on our part (Matt 24:44; 25:10; Luke 12:40), and a fervent and anticipatory watching (Matt 24:42; 25:13; Mark 13:35-37). Do not turn aside to dwell upon novel views of Christ's coming, only to be caught unaware by His return. In the energy of faith, shun dreadful thoughts about a great tribulation, and ponder instead greeting the Lord with joy and adoration. Do not live in dread of a coming antichrist and one-world government, but rather look forward to seeing Jesus as He is (1 John 3:1-3). It is not that there are no acceptable views on such matters. It is that they are unworthy of your emphasis. You must not allow them to upstage the coming of the Lord Himself.

     And what shall we say to all of these things? May your heart respond like that of John when he was "in the Spirit on the Lord's day." His closing exposure to the glorified Christ is provocative. By faith, enter into the majesty of that moment. "He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus" (Rev 22:20). Come surely, and come quickly! Any frame of spirit that robs you of that response stands between you and your Lord! Whatever contributes to the expression of that type of faith and hope has ministered to you.

     And now, "The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen" (Rev 22:21).

PRAYER POINT: Father, thank You for giving us so much in Scripture concerning Christ's return! Thank you for declaring Your desire for us to be ready to meet Him, and for supplying abundant grace to do so. I thank you for such marvelous benefits in the name of Jesus Christ.

-- TOMORROW: IS HATRED EVER RIGHT?? --
--MONDAY: New Series, THE ELECTION OF GRACE --