Anticipating His Return

Over fifteen hundred years before Christ was born, Job (19:25) said, “For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth: And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God” Thirty one years after Jesus’ crucifixion John (5:28) said, “Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the grave shall hear his voice, And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.” About twenty three years later Paul (I Thessalonians 4:16) said, “For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, and with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.”

Although they do not know exactly what to expect, Christians have been eagerly anticipating Christ’s return since His ascension from the Mount of Olives, forty days after His resurrection. I’ve seen a comparison made with a faithful dog separated from his master by a closed door. The dog will scratch and claw trying to get through the door, not knowing what’s on the other side, because he knows “who” is on the other side.

When I was a child I looked forward to Christmas with great excitement. Around Halloween, I’d start thinking about how many days till Christmas and trying hard to be a “good boy”; especially if I thought something special, like an electric train or bicycle might be a possibility. After Thanksgiving the excitement would build and I’d start checking the backs and shelves in closets and under beds for any suspicious packages. I professed belief in Santa Claus for several years after my big sisters had enlightened me; because I feared the effect this knowledge might have on Christmas. I never knew exactly what Christmas would bring, but I knew I was going to like it.

Because of the saving grace of Jesus Christ, I can anticipate Christ’s return with that same excitement; I don’t know exactly what to expect, but I know I’m going to like it.