Jesus Is Coming Again
Acts 1:11b– This Jesus, who has been taken up from you into heaven, will come in just the same way as you have watched Him go into heaven.
Scripture: Luke 4:16-32
As of February 2011, we have never seen Christ ascend or descend from heaven. We have no referent for what that would look like. Historically, the apostles had a first hand view of the ascension. The best object lesson regarding the return of Christ is His ascension. Acts 1:9-11 tells us that the apostles watched as he ascended up out of their sight. Specifically, two men dressed in white tell us that this Jesus who has been taken up from you into heaven, will come in just the same way as you have watched Him go into Heaven. Jesus’ second coming is often associated with clouds throughout Scripture. Revelation 1:7a, “Behold He is coming with the clouds…” Daniel 7:13, Luke 21:27, Matthew 24:30; “And they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.” Revelation 19:11 and following verses detail His second coming.
The story being studied is from Luke 4:16-32. The climax is Jesus fulfilling a prophecy from Isaiah 61:1-2a. But something interesting happens. Jesus closes the scroll halfway through verse 2. As we read our Bible, he stops at a comma and does not finish the verse. When we read the second part of the verse in Isaiah it states, And the day of vengeance of our God. Jesus did not come in vengeance during His first coming. He came as a suffering servant. The details that follow in the remainder of Isaiah 61 are in reference to His second coming. These details provide a glimpse into the future kingdom for Israel.
Those who mourn have a brighter future with Christ in charge. Comfort, gladness, and praise are to be provided. They will be granted a garland. These are in opposition to the suffering Israel has endured. Culturally, their ancient ruins will be rebuilt. From generations past, cities will be repaired. Economically, there will be a paradigm shift. Strangers will now shepherd flocks. Foreigners will farm and tend the land. Israel will eat the wealth of the nations. Israel will boast in the riches of others and receive a double portion. Legally, justice will rule the day. Spiritually, the people will be called priests of the Lord. They will be as ministers of God. Personally, everlasting joy is theirs. Their offspring will be recognized throughout the world because they are the offspring whom the Lord has blessed. God makes a promise to keep His Word and establishes an everlasting covenant. He will faithfully give them their recompense.
Tim LaHaye, author of the Left Behind series, has counted that there are 318 references to Christ’s second coming in the New Testament alone. God’s Word says He is coming again, over and over. As Peter writes in 2 Peter 1:19a, “And so we have the prophetic word made more sure…” This written Word we have is more sure than Peter’s observation of the transfiguration.
He is coming again!
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