Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; — 1 Peter 1:13

The first time Jesus came, he came to show people who God was (John 1:18). As great, strong, and kind as he was on earth, he didn’t show everyone everything about who he is. Our hope depends on his coming back. This time, when he comes, it won’t be to show who God is, but to show who he is: the Lord who wins, the Rider on the white horse. All knees will bend. We will see him for who and what he really is: Immanuel, full of power and grace, who has won in every way. When we count on Jesus’s grace when he comes back, we can be sure that we are ready to serve our king right now. Today, we can follow his orders and give him praise.

 

Thought

The first time Jesus came, he came to show people who God was (John 1:18). As great, strong, and kind as he was on earth, he didn’t show everyone everything about who he is. Our hope depends on his coming back. This time, when he comes, it won’t be to show who God is, but to show who he is: the Lord who wins, the Rider on the white horse. All knees will bend. We will see him for who and what he really is: Immanuel, full of power and grace, who has won in every way. When we count on Jesus’s grace when he comes back, we can be sure that we are ready to serve our king right now. Today, we can follow his orders and give him praise.

 

Prayer

I long for the day when I will see Jesus face to face as he arrives in power with the angels, O Almighty God. Please give me the ability to live with the knowledge that victory is mine in Jesus until that time, and fasten my heart in hope to the glory Jesus will share with me on that day. In Jesus’s precious name I pray. Amen.