In the journey of faith, we often find ourselves anchored in the promises that God has made to us. One such promise is the return of Jesus, a time when He will come back for His people. This isn’t just a distant hope but a reminder that we live in expectation of something greater than ourselves. We can find comfort in knowing that God keeps His promises, and this anticipation translates into how we live our lives today. We live with purpose, knowing that our Savior is coming back to ultimately restore and redeem all things.

“And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.” – John 14:3

“Men of Galilee,” they said, “why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.” – Acts 1:11

“Look, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to each person according to what they have done.” – Revelation 22:12

“Then will appear the sign of the Son of Man in heaven, and then all the peoples of the earth will mourn when they see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven, with power and great glory.” – Matthew 24:30-31

“For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first.” – 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17

As we navigate through life, maintaining a spirit of expectation about the coming of Jesus encourages us to live intentionally. We are called to be vigilant and prepared, as we never know the day or hour of His return. Keeping this expectation can influence our decisions and approaches to daily challenges. It cultivates a mindset that prioritizes spiritual growth and encourages us to share this message of hope with others. Living in expectation promotes joy and peace because we know that our future is secure in Christ.

“Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour.” – Matthew 25:13

“Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when Christ appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is.” – 1 John 3:2-3

“You also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.” – Luke 12:40

“And do this, understanding the present time: The hour has already come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed.” – Romans 13:11

“But our citizenship is in heaven, and we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ.” – Philippians 3:20

The Bible speaks about signs that will occur before the return of Jesus. These signs act as indicators for us to remain alert and ready. Understanding these signs isn’t meant to scare us, but rather to remind us of the urgency of our mission and the importance of spreading the Gospel. As we observe the world around us, we can reflect on how this aligns with what Christ has foretold. It encourages us to deepen our relationship with Him so that we can grow in understanding and grace as His second coming approaches.

“You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come.” – Matthew 24:6-7

“There will be signs in the sun, moon and stars. On the earth, nations will be in anguish and perplexity at the roaring and tossing of the sea.” – Luke 21:25-26

“Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes in various places, and famines. These are the beginning of birth pains.” – Mark 13:8

“Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold.” – Matthew 24:12

“But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving…” – 2 Timothy 3:1-5

As Christians, we can find immense encouragement and joy in the anticipation of Jesus’ return. It reminds us that our struggles and challenges are temporary. We have the blessed hope that one day we will be united with Him forever. This promise encourages us to share the love of Christ with others and to stay strong in our faith. As believers, knowing that Jesus is coming gives us purpose and inspires us to continue to be beacons of light in a world that often feels dark. We can face trials with confidence, knowing that our Savior is near.

“Not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” – Hebrews 10:25

“I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.” – Romans 8:18

“For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.” – 2 Corinthians 4:17

“And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.” – 1 Peter 5:10

“He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” – Revelation 21:4

The anticipation of Jesus’ return should motivate us to live lives of holiness and righteousness. As we await His coming, we are called to strive for goodness. This pursuit of holiness isn’t about perfection but about yielding to the work of the Holy Spirit in us. Living in this manner not only pleases God but also serves as a witness to those around us. We can become reflections of Christ’s love and light in the world, showcasing the transformative power of the Gospel. Let us strive to be examples of faithfulness as we await His glorious return.

“But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: ‘Be holy, because I am holy.'” – 1 Peter 1:15-16

“Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming.” – 2 Peter 3:11-12

“Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.” – Colossians 3:2

“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.” – Matthew 5:8

“And now, dear children, continue in him, so that when he appears we may be confident and unashamed before him at his coming.” – 1 John 2:28

As we face various trials in life, the assurance of Jesus’ return provides us with incredible hope. We may experience hardships, but knowing that Jesus is coming back reminds us that this is not the end. Each challenge we face is temporary, and God uses these moments to refine us. Hope anchors our souls during turbulent times, allowing us to persevere with faith. Let us hold onto this hope tightly as we await His glorious return, encouraging one another along the way.

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” – Romans 15:13

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.” – James 1:2-3

“I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” – Philippians 4:13

“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea.” – Psalm 46:1-2

“But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not be faint.” – Isaiah 40:31

Understanding the importance of Jesus’ coming compels us to share the Good News with those around us. We are called to be witnesses of His love and grace, spreading the message of salvation as we eagerly await His return. It’s not just a task; it’s a privilege! We can live intentionally by reflecting Jesus in our interactions and sharing our testimony of His faithfulness. Let’s unite in this mission, encouraging each other to proclaim His name and bring hope to a world that desperately needs it.

“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” – Matthew 28:19-20

“He said to them, ‘Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.'” – Mark 16:15

“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” – Acts 1:8

“How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?” – Romans 10:14

“Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction.” – 2 Timothy 4:2

As we reflect on the hope of Jesus’ coming, let us embrace the promises God has given us in His Word. Each verse presents a unique encouragement to keep our hearts open, live in expectation, and continue spreading His message of love and grace. While life can bring challenges, we are reminded that our struggles are temporary and serve a purpose in our spiritual journey. Together, we can look forward to the beautiful day when Jesus returns, and we shall see Him face to face, united with Him forever. So, let us encourage one another and grow in faith as we await that glorious day.

Embracing the anticipation of Jesus' return shapes our purpose, instills hope, and compels us to live out our faith actively. As we keep our eyes on the signs and live in holiness, let’s shine the light of Christ for all to see. Remember, He promises never to leave us, and that assurance gives us strength to carry on with joy!

May we always find peace and encouragement in the beautiful truth of His return. Amen!