JESUS – OUR SOON-COMING KING

Say to them that are of a fearful heart, Be strong, do not fear! Behold, your God WILL COME… – Isaiah 35: 4a

For us who love, trust, and follow the Lord Jesus, the promise of Jehovah, given to the people of Israel while in captivity, reminds us of our hope in Christ’s imminent Return. Isaiah encouraged Israel to “strengthen the weak hands, and make firm the feeble knees” and “Say to those who are fearful-hearted, “Be strong, do not fear! Behold, YOUR GOD WILL COME” (Is.35:3-4). On the eve of the New Year, the Holy Spirit is giving us the same inspiration and hope today.

There are two possible connotations of the Lord’s Coming. First is His literal Return. He came the first time, in fulfilment of prophecy. He will come again! The signs of the times in the world point to the reality that we are living in the last days. Jesus is coming again, and our job is to get ready for His return! He Himself encouraged us: “Let not your heart be troubled: you believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.  And if I go and prepare a place for you, I WILL COME AGAIN, and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also” (Jh.14:1).

The chief way to be ready and prepared for His Coming, is to “Grow in Grace and knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ” (2Pet.3:18). Our King will return to make all things right and to reign forever. We await this Blessed Hope with great anticipation (Tit.2:13).

Second, the Lord comes in Divine Visitation, with deliverance and help for His people, but vengeance and recompense for His enemies (Isa.35:4b). He comes to give sight to the blind, sound to the deaf, lifting to the lame, songs to the dumb, fountains in the wilderness, streams in the desert, pools in parched grounds, and springs of water in thirsty lands (Is.35:5-7).  Jesus said to the Centurion, regarding his sick servant, “I WILL COME and heal him” (Mt.8:7). Jesus is ever timely; always on time and in time. His coming is never late.

As we stand on the threshold of the New Year, the Lord is saying to us, “Be strong, do not fear! Behold, your God will come.” In 2017, the Lord comes with His Grace, Goodness, Greatness, and Glory! It is destined to be our Year of God's Grace, Goodness, and Glory! Alleluia!!