Living in anticipation of Jesus' second coming is a call to a life of readiness, hope, and active engagement with the teachings of Christ. This anticipation is not about passive waiting but about a dynamic and transformative way of living that reflects the values of the Kingdom of God. As a non-denominational Christian pastor, I would like to offer you a comprehensive understanding of how to live in anticipation of Jesus' return, drawing from Scripture and Christian tradition.
Firstly, it is essential to understand that the second coming of Jesus is a central tenet of Christian eschatology. The New Testament is replete with references to this event. For instance, in Matthew 24:30-31, Jesus Himself speaks of His return: "Then will appear the sign of the Son of Man in heaven. And then all the peoples of the earth will mourn when they see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven, with power and great glory. And he will send his angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather his elect from the four winds, from one end of the heavens to the other."
Living in anticipation of this momentous event involves several key aspects:
1. Spiritual Vigilance and Readiness
Jesus consistently emphasized the importance of being prepared for His return. In Matthew 24:42-44, He states, "Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come. But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what time of night the thief was coming, he would have kept watch and would not have let his house be broken into. So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him."
Spiritual vigilance means maintaining a close and personal relationship with God through prayer, worship, and the study of Scripture. It involves a heart that is attuned to the voice of the Holy Spirit and a life that seeks to align with God's will. This readiness is not about fear but about a joyful expectation and a disciplined spiritual life.
2. Holiness and Ethical Living
The anticipation of Jesus' return calls for a life of holiness and ethical conduct. The Apostle Peter exhorts believers in 2 Peter 3:11-12, "Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming."
Holiness involves setting ourselves apart for God's purposes and living in a manner that reflects His character. This includes honesty, integrity, love, compassion, and justice. Our actions, thoughts, and words should be a testimony to the transformative power of Christ in our lives.
3. Active Service and Stewardship
Jesus taught that His followers should be actively engaged in His work until He returns. In the Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14-30), He illustrates the importance of using the gifts and resources He has entrusted to us for the advancement of His Kingdom. The faithful servants are those who invest their talents wisely, while the unfaithful servant is condemned for his inactivity.
Living in anticipation means being diligent and faithful in our service to God and others. It involves using our time, talents, and treasures to serve the church, help those in need, and spread the Gospel. This active service is a way of demonstrating our love for God and our readiness for His return.
4. Hope and Encouragement
The second coming of Jesus is a source of great hope for believers. The Apostle Paul writes in Titus 2:13, "while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ." This hope sustains us through the trials and tribulations of life. It reminds us that our present sufferings are temporary and that a glorious future awaits us.
Moreover, this hope should be a source of encouragement to others. In 1 Thessalonians 4:16-18, Paul comforts the believers with the promise of the Lord's return and concludes, "Therefore encourage one another with these words." Sharing the hope of Christ's return can uplift and strengthen fellow believers, fostering a sense of community and mutual support.
5. Evangelism and Discipleship
The imminent return of Christ should compel us to share the Gospel with urgency. Jesus' Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20 calls us to "go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you."
Living in anticipation of Jesus' second coming means being passionate about evangelism and discipleship. We are called to be witnesses of Christ's love and salvation, leading others to a relationship with Him. This involves not only proclaiming the Gospel but also nurturing and mentoring new believers in their faith journey.
6. Living in Community
The Christian life is not meant to be lived in isolation. The anticipation of Jesus' return should draw us closer to the community of believers. Hebrews 10:24-25 encourages us, "And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching."
Being part of a church community provides support, accountability, and opportunities for growth and service. It is within this community that we can practice love, forgiveness, and unity, reflecting the body of Christ.
7. Living with an Eternal Perspective
Anticipating Jesus' return means living with an eternal perspective. Colossians 3:1-2 urges us, "Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things."
This eternal perspective helps us prioritize our lives according to God's Kingdom values. It reminds us that our true citizenship is in heaven (Philippians 3:20) and that our ultimate goal is to glorify God. It influences our decisions, relationships, and how we use our resources.
8. Patience and Perseverance
Finally, living in anticipation of Jesus' second coming requires patience and perseverance. James 5:7-8 encourages believers, "Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord's coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waiting for the autumn and spring rains. You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord's coming is near."
The waiting period can be challenging, especially in a world filled with suffering and injustice. However, we are called to endure with faith, trusting in God's perfect timing and His ultimate plan for redemption.
In conclusion, living in anticipation of Jesus' second coming is a holistic approach that encompasses spiritual vigilance, holiness, active service, hope, evangelism, community, an eternal perspective, and patience. It is a call to live out our faith authentically and passionately, making a difference in the world while keeping our eyes fixed on the glorious return of our Savior. By doing so, we honor God and prepare ourselves and others for the day when Christ will come again in glory.
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