Looking For That Blessed Hope

Revelation 1:7  Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him…

Titus 2:13  Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ…

            Most folk shy away from the word doctrine or anything that might potentially indicate deep theological thought. However, one of the most precious doctrinal truths for the Christian is the expectancy of Christ’s Second Coming; also called the Second Advent. We are familiar with Christ’s first “Advent” and most of us celebrate this Advent joyously each Christmas.

            Sadly, we tend to hear less about the Second Advent. We don’t know much about this Second Advent other than it will come suddenly and unexpectedly.

Mark 13:32-33, 35-37  But about that day or hour no one know, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Be on guard! Be alert! You do not know when that time will come. … Therefore, keep watch because you do not know when the owner of the house will come back – whether in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or at dawn. If he comes suddenly, do not let him find you sleeping. What I say to you, I say to everyone: “Watch!”

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

Luke 21:25-28  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. People will faint from terror, apprehensive of what is coming on the world, for the heavenly bodies will be shaken. At that time they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.

            Most folk associate this Advent only with dangers, wars, and strife. While we are told in many scriptures to be watchful and alert during the evil times preceding the Second Advent; the Christian does not fear the Second Advent; the Christian welcomes it. Unbelievers will have plenty to fear—which is why our mission should be to spread the Good News to all people. But for the believers, the Second Advent will be the glorious return of our Lord and Savior. When Christ returns for his faithful ones, we will be reunited with Him for all eternity. We are looking for that Blessed Hope!

            Today’s hymn comes from the Advent Christian Hymnal, ACGC Publishers, 1952. My prayer is that you, too, will be joyfully anticipating the Second Advent of Christ.

Looking for That Blessed Hope (#449), Thoro Harris

O shout aloud the tidings, Repeat the joyful strain; Let all the waiting nations This message hear again:      

            The spot less Lamb of glory, Who once for man was slain, Soon o’er all the earth shall reign.

Signs in the heav’n above us, In sun and moon and sky, Proclaim to all the faithful Redemption draweth   nigh;    The hearts of men are quaking And failing them for fear: Jesus’ coming draweth near.

We’ll watch for his returning With lamps well trimm’d and bright; He cometh to the careless As thieves break thro’ the night;

            “Well done, thou good and faithful” –O may we hear the word, “Share the       joy of Christ thy Lord.”

Looking for that blessed hope, (that joyful hope), Looking for that blessed hope; (that glorious hope);    

            We know the hour is nearing, The hour of his appearing: We’re looking for that blessed hope.

 

Gracious Heavenly Father,

            We read in your Word that times preceding the Second Advent will indeed be wrought with dangers, toil, strife, and catastrophic events. Yet you have given us Blessed Hope and a peace that the world simply cannot understand because it does not know You. With joyful expectancy we anticipate the soon coming of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Yet the Second Advent also brings to us a responsibility to spread the Good News to others before it is too late. Thank you for this precious promise, and may we be your faithful servants.

            In the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, Amen.

 

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email: Dotty Willmon, writefrommyheartblog@gmail.com