The Certainty of Jesus' Return

Rev. Charles Oppong-Poku | August 22, 2023 | Matthew 24:29-31

KEY VERSE:

"Then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory". Matthew 24:30 (NKJV)

MESSAGE:

In this passage, Jesus speaks about His return in power and great glory, a moment of unparalleled significance in the history of humanity. Jesus paints a vivid picture of His return and He likens it to lightning that shines from east to west, visible to all. The imagery conveys the suddenness and universality of His appearance. This depiction of Christ's return evokes a sense of awe and wonder. It's a reminder that our Savior, who once walked among humans, will return in a magnificent display of power and glory. This truth should fill our hearts with hope and anticipation, knowing that no matter the challenges we face, Christ's ultimate victory is assured.

The glorious return of the Lord will involve the gathering of His elect - the reunion of believers from every corner of the earth (Vrs 31), and this signifies the culmination of God's redemptive plan, uniting His people in the presence of their Savior. As we consider Christ's return in power and glory, we are reminded of the importance of living in readiness. Jesus exhorts us to be vigilant and prepared. This readiness involves staying faithful, growing in our relationship with Christ, and sharing His love with others. The promise of His coming, again is the blessed hope of the believer and it encourages us in our faith journey, reminding us that the ultimate victory belongs to our Lord, who will return in power and great glory to reign forever.

FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE:

Jesus is certainly coming again and all the signs point to that event. Are you ready to meet Him as your Saviour and King? Will you be mourning with “the tribes of the earth” or celebrate the victory with the Elect? The certainty of Christ's return rests on the unchanging promises of our Lord. Just as He came the first time as a humble servant, He will come again as the triumphant King. This is a reminder that our faith is not in vain.

PRAYER:

Dear Heavenly Father, I come before you with a humble heart, seeking your guidance and grace as I prepare for the glorious second coming of your Son, Jesus Christ. As I anticipate the day when Jesus will come again in all His glory, help me to be vigilant and watchful, ready to receive Him with joy and reverence. I trust in your promise that Jesus will return, and I pray that my life will reflect my longing for His presence and my commitment to His teachings. In the precious name of Jesus, I offer this prayer. Amen.

THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING.

SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!! ___________________________ DAILY word study: SIGN The English word "sign" in verse 30 of Matthew 24 is translated from the Greek word "σημεῖον" (sēmeion). Let's explore the meaning of this word:

σημεῖον" (sēmeion): This Greek noun refers to a sign, token, or indication. It's something that serves as evidence, proof, or a remarkable event that carries a specific meaning.

In this verse, Jesus is speaking about the signs that will accompany His coming again. He describes a future event when the "sign of the Son of Man" will appear in heaven, heralding His return. This sign will be a visible and unmistakable indicator of the Son of Man's presence and authority. The concept of a "sign" in this verse highlights the idea of divine communication through observable phenomena. Throughout Scripture, signs are often used to point to God's activity, presence, and purpose. In this case, the sign of the Son of Man signifies the culmination of God's redemptive plan, signalling the return of Jesus Christ.

This verse reminds us that God often provides signs to communicate His intentions and to draw our attention to significant events. These signs are meant to deepen our faith, increase our awareness of God's involvement in the world, and encourage our anticipation of His promises.

REFLECTIONS How attuned are you to the signs of God's activity in your life and in the world around you? How can a deeper awareness of these signs enhance your faith and your expectation of Christ's return?