I’m not sure why, but we don’t talk a lot about Jesus’ second coming anymore.
It might be because it’s often associated with some radical versions of Christianity—long-haired, unkempt men on street corners holding big “Turn or Burn!” signs.
Or it could be because we’re pretty comfortable with life the way it is, and comfortable people don’t really long for this world to end.
But there’s a reason it’s mentioned over 300 times in the New Testament . . . maybe God wants us to think about it.
There’s a lot we don’t know, of course, but we do know a few things.
We know this: God never revealed when Jesus would come back, so it’s pointless to speculate.
And we also know this: it doesn’t matter. The Bible is very clear on this point.
Here’s what Peter wrote:
But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a roar, and the heavenly bodies will be burned up and dissolved, and the earth and the works that are done on it will be exposed. Since all these things are thus to be dissolved, what sort of people ought you to be in lives of holiness and godliness, waiting for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be set on fire and dissolved, and the heavenly bodies will melt as they burn! But according to his promise we are waiting for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells. Therefore, beloved, since you are waiting for these, be diligent to be found by him without spot or blemish, and at peace (2 Peter 3:10-14).
Thinking about the Lord’s return ought to make us circumspective, Peter says. So much of the stuff we stress over isn’t worth it. So much of what keeps us awake at night isn’t eternally consequential.
Peter says to invest in what really lasts.
Holiness, godliness, peacefulness.
A heavily invested 401(k) won’t bring any of that. A corner office and the best parking spot at work won’t do it either.
One day Jesus will return to this earth, and only one thing will matter: Will he find us “without spot or blemish”?
Will we be in him?
Think about it. Ask God to help you see the difference between the stuff that matters and the stuff doesn’t.
A little circumspection now brings some needed perspective. —Chuck
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