The Soon Return of Jesus Christ

Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh.  James 5:8

My mind goes back to a Sunday evening service when I was in sixth grade.  It had been a wonderful service and I remember so well the sermon topic because it had to do with the return of Jesus Christ.  After the message, people prayed earnestly in the altar preparing their hearts for the Lord’s return.

Afterwards, a group of us still overflowing with excitement, gathered outside to talk about what we felt within our hearts.  It seemed that all we could talk about was seeing the Lord coming for us in the skies.  I remember distinctly a statement made by one of my friends when she said: “You know the Lord could come back this very night!”  I looked up into the dark sky expectantly, hoping to see Jesus stepping out from behind a cloud right there before me.  That image is just as clear today as if it had just happened.

Just as we were gazing up into the heavens, the disciples also looked up as Jesus ascended, disappearing behind the clouds and out of sight.

(10) And while they looked steadfastly toward heaven as He [Jesus] went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel, (11) who also said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven.”  Acts 1:10-11

The return of the Lord has been thought of with great anticipation ever since He left His disciples and returned to His Father.  For centuries, Believers have longed for Christ’s return until this day.  But if the Father chooses that His Son will not return today, we must be looking for His return tomorrow.  Actually, the Lord could come back before you finish reading this article. 

We have the promise from the Word of God that Jesus will return.  What a happy time we're going to have when we see our blessed Lord coming for us in the clouds of glory.  And every eye will see Him!  (Rev. 1:7)  It will be a time like no man has ever experienced. It will be a time of unprecedented splendor and beauty when our Lord Jesus will appear in the clouds.  That is our blessed hope!  (Titus 2:13)

Unfortunately, many are not looking forward to Christ’s return.  In fact, it seems that some are so busy they don't have time to reflect upon one of the greatest events to ever happen to all of Christendom. 

But we must be watching because His return will be a sudden thing.  We're given an example of how suddenly His return will be from Jesus Himself:

Two men will be in the field; one will be taken and the other left.  Two women will be grinding with a hand mill; one will be taken and the other left.  Matt. 24:40-41

The Apostle Paul explained it like this:

        In a moment in the twinkling of an eye at the last trump; for the trumpet shall sound,

        and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.  1 Cor. 15:52

Just as I was writing this message the word “snatch” comes to mind. That is how quickly the Lord will take those who are ready to meet Him.  We will be “snatched up” with Him, which means it is going to be a quick thing!  I used to hear it brought out in sermons by ministers from my youth about the “snatching away of the saints.”  Even though I have not heard that term for a number of years, the word “snatch” is exactly how those who are ready to meet the Lord will be taken. Webster’s dictionary describes the word snatch as a “grasping or seizing suddenly without warning.”  Snatching away represents how quickly we will go to be with our Lord.

Those who have their names written in the Book of Life will be changed into the image of Jesus Christ.  We will be like Him and we will see Him face to face just as He is.   The very One we have been waiting for, the very One we have longed for, will take us with Him into heaven to spend all eternity.  What a glorious time for all who long for His return.

Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it does not yet appear what we shall be, but we know that, when He shall appear, we shall be like Him ; for we shall see Him as He is. 1 Jn. 3:2

There is an urgency to this message and it is one that I cannot seem to get out of my mind.  Therefore, I want to share with you the things the Lord has placed so strongly upon my heart.  Christ’s return is quickly approaching.  You might say His return is in the forecast!  It is evident because the signs of the times are pointing toward the greatest event to ever happen to mankind. 

This message is one of encouragement to those who have longed for the appearing of their Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and to tell you that He is not slow in keeping His promise.  (2 Pet. 3:9)  We must not give up and we must not lose heart. 

It is also a wake up call to the church of Jesus Christ.  When I say “church” I mean the entire Body of Christ, all Believers, no matter the denomination.  Heaven cares not about manmade denominations.       

To reveal even further the urgency, the Lord showed me in a dream that the church is asleep.  Many are going about their business without giving a thought to the fact that Jesus could come any moment.  We must awaken ourselves!  We must shake ourselves from our slumber!  We must wipe away the sleep from our eyes and realize that Christ’s return is approaching. 

There is an urgency for ministers to remind their people from the pulpit that Christ’s return is at hand.  Alert them to prepare their hearts for Christ’s imminent return. 

The hour is at hand.

Therefore be ye also ready for in such an hour as you think not the Son of Man cometh.  Matt. 24:44 (KJV)

Prayer:

Father, never before have I felt such an urgency in a message.  I know You want us to be reminded that Your Son’s return is very near.  Time is short and we must be alerted.  Help those who are asleep and oblivious to Christ’s soon return.  Help us to prepare our hearts and repent of unconfessed sin.  Help us not to let another minute go by without being prepared and ready for Your Son’s soon return. In Your Son’s name.  Amen.