When the Bible speaks of the second coming of Christ, we’re not just told that it will happen – but we’re told how we are to respond right now because of it.
For Christians, the second coming brings us hope.
Not a cross-your-fingers hope. Or a warm, gushy feeling hope.
The second coming of Christ creates an active hope.
Told to Hope
1 Peter 1:13 tells us to “set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.”
In Hebrews 9:28, we’re told Christ will appear a second time to “save those who are eagerly waiting for him.”
In 2 Timothy 4:8, Paul speaks of the crown of righteousness he will receive – along with “all who have loved [Christ’s] appearing.”
But this hope is best shown in Titus 2. We clearly see “our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ” is tied in with living “self-controlled, upright, and godly lives” and that we are to be a people “who are zealous for good works.”
Why Are You Just Looking Up?
As Christ ascended into heaven and the disciples stood there gazing upward, they were told by two angels, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven?”
Don’t just stand there. Christ will return – right now, weren’t you given a commission? Get to work!
How to Wait on the Master
The many stewardship parables often depict Christ as a master who will go away and then return. How are the stewards to behave while the master is away?
They are to be busy with the master’s work.
In the Parable of the Minas (Luke 19), the servants are told by the master, “Engage in business until I come.” The Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25) commends the stewards who work and condemns the wicked servant who was slothful.
Jesus himself in Luke 12 tells us to “Stay dressed for action and keep your lamps burning” as we wait for the master’s return. Yet when he explains the parable, here’s how Jesus clarifies what it means to wait:
“Who then is the faithful and wise manager, whom his master will set over his household, to give them their portion of food at the proper time? Blessed is that servant whom his master will find so doing when he comes.”
Let Us Wait By Working
The key to being a good steward is to always carry out the master’s will. The good steward works in such a way that the master would approve if he were standing right there in the room watching.
So hope in Christ’s return. Be ready and waiting… by getting busy with the master’s work right now.
Photo Credit: Col Ford and Natasha de Vere (Creative Commons)
Some of the links in this post may be affiliate links. However, this doesn’t affect what I write about, what I choose to say, or what I recommend. Learn more here.