As Christians we know that Jesus is returning. However, the exact ordering of the events and all of the details surrounding his second coming are less clear. Perhaps you have met Christians who insist they know exactly how it will happen and demand that you think the same. Whilst the Bible does give some teaching on this, and it is important to seek to understand what all of the Bible is teaching, it is more crucial to understand why the Bible teaches on the second coming and to be loving and gracious to any who take a different view on secondary issues.
On Sunday evening, we saw one reason the Bible teaches about Jesus’ return. In 1 Thessalonians 4:18 (repeated in 5v11), we see that Paul’s purpose was that the Christians may be encouraged or comforted.
‘Therefore encourage one another with these words.‘
The church in Thessalonica was young and going through tough times. Some had died, probably through persecution. What they needed to hear was that whatever happened to them in this life, Jesus was coming again for them and that they were safe forever. It didn’t matter if they died or remained alive, when Jesus returns none of them would miss out. As Christians we look back to Jesus’ death and resurrection and we have certain hope for the future that we too will live forever with him.
This is something we all need constant reminding of. Life is full of challenges and can sometimes seem like a real effort just to survive one day. However, Jesus is returning and one day all will be well. Paul’s command is to encourage each other with the truth of Jesus’ sure return. How often do we tell each other “Jesus is coming”? Why not share this with someone this week?
James Howlett