Hebrews 9:26-28. 26But as it is, he has appeared once for all at the end of the ages to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself. 27And just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment, 28so Christ, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to deal with sin but to save those who are eagerly waiting for him.
Have you ever had to wait to see something or someone that you loved? Maybe you’ve waited in a line to be someone famous. Or you waited for a favorite musician to appear on stage. Or maybe just waiting for your mom or dad to get back from a trip.
Right now every Christian on Earth is waiting for Jesus to appear a second time. The first time Jesus appeared was when he was born as a baby in a manger at Christmas time. Our passage today says that Jesus appeared the first time to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself. That means the cross. Of course, after the cross Jesus rose from the dead and then ascended into Heaven. And before he ascended he promised that he would return to Earth.
A second appearance?
Yes, a second appearance. But not to deal with sin but to save those who are eagerly waiting for him.
Sadly, many Christians are afraid of Jesus’ return because they think he is coming back not to save us but to punish us. Maybe there is a fear that God will make us feel guilty or ashamed for all the bad things we did. But Jesus already took our guilt and our shame when he died on the cross for us. All of our sins are already paid for by him. Jesus isn’t returning to yell at us for being bad; he’s returning to save us from this corrupted world once and for all.
That’s why we can eagerly await his appearance.
Eagerly? That means we can’t wait for it to happen. We can’t wait for Jesu to keep his promise and return for us from Heaven.
It’s hard to say that you want Jesus to come back when you’re young. When you are young you have so much that you look forward to, so much that you want to do in this world. You have hopes and dreams that are centered on this life.
But Jesus didn’t promise to return for us so that we would miss out on anything. In fact, when Jesus comes back for us, life will become so much better. You just have to imagine it. Can you imagine what life with Jesus will be like?
Can you imagine seeing God on his throne?
Can you imagine no more tears, sadness, and pain?
Can you imagine the most beautiful and magnificent version of Earth ever?
Can you imagine everyone getting along, loving, sharing, no bullies, no mean people?
Can you imagine living in a body with no limits?
Can you imagine never being afraid, sick, stressed out?
Can you imagine living in a world without racism, injustice, or war?
Can you imagine yourself loving really loving God and others and being so full of joy that never stops growing?
This and so much more is what awaits us when Jesus returns. This is his promise to you today, I will come back for you. The very last prayer in the Bible is, “Come Lord Jesus.” May we today and every day pray that prayer.
You: Are you eagerly wanting Jesus to return? Why or why not?
You with Jesus: What do you imagine being with Jesus on a New Earth will be like?
Prayer: Come Lord Jesus!
TLICfamily 