Mother’s Day Forgetfulness

Our daughter Khloe is over 2 years old and that means that Rosie (my wife) is a mother. Now as rudimentary as that may sound, it was somewhat lost on me for her first Mother’s Day. I don’t know whether it was general male incompetence or the surrealness of being new parents, but it just didn’t register for me. Now, I obviously knew that she was a ‘mum’ and all, but it never clicked until I was reminded. But to make matters worse, and I am not proud of this, I didn’t actually realise my serious error until the end of the day when she subtly reminded me in the gentle and unassuming way only Rosie can. Now I can honestly say that I have picked up my game in the subsequent years, however Rosie continues to remind me due to my past forgetfulness, dropping subtle hints so I am prepared. And just to let you know, this past Sunday I didn’t forget!

The Second Coming

Yet, just as Rosie reminded me when Mother’s Day was approaching, God too has given us clear reminders of another special day. This is the “day of the Lord” 1 Thessalonians 5:2 and is also known as “the coming of the Son of Man” Matthew 24:27, “His appearing” 2 Timothy 4:8, “His coming” 1 John 2:28 and “the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ” 1 Thessalonians 3:13. Every single New Testament writer speaks about the Second Coming of Jesus and this includes giants such as Peter, James, Paul, John and our Lord, Jesus Christ. It is spoken of with absolute certitude, fully convinced that it will take place. They are not being ambiguous or allegorical but are rather speaking plainly; they meant what they said.

Jesus: “And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.” John 14:3

Paul: “For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord.” 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17

James: “Therefore be patient, brethren, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, waiting patiently for it until it receives the early and latter rain. You also be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand.” James 5:7-8

Peter: “looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be dissolved, being on fire, and the elements will melt with fervent heat?” 2 Peter 3:12

John: “Behold, He is coming with clouds, and every eye will see Him, even they who pierced Him. And all the tribes of the earth will mourn because of Him. Even so, Amen.” Revelation 1:7

Why Is It Important?

Why is all this important? Well, around 1/25 verses in the New Testament speak about the Second Coming of Jesus. It is literally the most spoken of event in the New Testament. If that is the case then why don’t we hear much of it in the churches of today? Maybe it’s because we’ve taken the statement from Jesus where He said “occupy till I come” Luke 19:13 a little too seriously. That we have become too comfortable. Looking forward to our next holiday, upgrading the car, or buying the latest smartphone. Not that these things are bad at all, but when we devote more energy towards this then what we do the hope of the church, there is an issue. The antidote for lethargy and spiritual consumerism is in recognising, believing, and living lives that demonstrate that the coming of the Lord is at hand.

Not only will the Second Coming happen, it is also possible that it can be missed. Not in the sense that we won’t know that it has taken place but rather that we weren’t ready for it (ready in the sense that we weren’t abiding in Christ). To miss this is to miss everything, because this is everything. It is the ushering in of His kingdom, the cessation, and the beginning of all things in one! It is hope fulfilled, joy interminable and love abounding. Friends, take heart and look up, for “it is near—at the doors.” Matt 24:33