In the serene prelude of dawn, as the first rays of the sun pierce the darkness, our hearts brim with anticipation for the day ahead. Similarly, as devoted followers of Christ, we find ourselves in the twilight of His promised return, yearning for the radiant RETURN OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST.
The appearing of the Son of Man will burst forth with the brightness of a lightning strike that shines from one end of the sky to the other, illuminating the earth. (Mat 24:27)
The Defeat of Darkness
It is about time that Satan gets what he deserves! Like an unyielding tempest, Satan has wreaked havoc upon creation, leaving behind a trail of chaos and heartache. Your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. (1 Peter 5:8). The pain and suffering inflicted by the devil upon humankind throughout history is immeasurable. Like a relentless tempest, the adversary has sown chaos, destruction, and heartache in countless lives.
From the temptations that led to the fall of humanity in the Garden of Eden to the ongoing spiritual battles that individuals face daily, the devil’s influence has wrought suffering on both individual and collective levels. Wars, conflicts, oppression, and the prevalence of evil in the world bear witness to the darkness he has fostered. The devil’s deception and lies has fractured relationships, sown discord, and led many astray from the path of righteousness. In the midst of this overwhelming darkness, we cry out with all the saints: “How long, O Lord, holy and true, until You judge and avenge our blood on those who dwell on the earth?” (Rev 6:10)
We hold steadfastly to the promise of Satan’s ultimate demise. The devil, who deceived them, was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone where the beast and the false prophet are. And they will be tormented day and night forever and ever. (Rev. 20:10).
The Triumph of the Righteous King
Oh, how we yearn for our Redeemer and Savior, Jesus Christ get what He deserves. He entered into the very world he created, yet the world was unaware. He came to the very people he created — to those who should have recognized him, but they did not receive him. (John 1:10-11). For too long, the most loving and innocent being who ever existed has received continuing shaming and belittlement, reduced to a swear word in the minds of many (Isaiah 53:3).
The exquisitely splendid character of Jesus Christ is a colorful array of divine qualities that transcend human comprehension. His holiness and purity have set Him apart as the ultimate example of purity and righteousness. As a Father-Heart restorer of families, He nurtures the bonds of love and reconciliation, embodying the essence of a People-Person who selflessly serves others. Supernatural miracles and wonders confirm His selfless obedience to do Father’s will to save what is lost. His reasonability and practical wisdom are displayed in the face of adversity.
Jesus champions a compassionate heart, embracing all in an inclusive brotherhood, extending chivalry to the cast-down. His joyful, playful spirit reveals a zest for life and a profound sense of purpose. He bridges the divide between the poor and rich, offering lessons in healthy routines and habits to sustain a person throughout life’s journey. His creativity knows no bounds, and in solitude, He finds solace while remaining a team-player. He cares for the total well-being of every individual, exemplifying a servant-leader who understands the depths of human pain. Jesus, the pacifist-revolutionist, leaves an indelible mark on our hearts for only in Him is found the true MEANING of LIFE!
Ultimately, every person who ever lived will acknowledge: “Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. (Philippians 2:9-11).
The Second Coming of Jesus is not merely a moment of triumph but a cosmic correction—Our King finally receiving the honour He deserves.
Paradise Restored (The World’s Restoration)
Reflecting on the Genesis narrative, where creation was a tapestry of harmony and perfection (Genesis 1:31); sin unravelled this masterpiece: Now I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away. (Revelation 21:1-4). Here are whispers of a reborn world, a new Eden. Isaiah 11:6-9 vividly depicts this restored creation, where nature exists in divine harmony, reflecting God’s original intent.
“The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb,
The leopard shall lie down with the young goat,
The calf and the young lion and the fatling together;
And a little child shall lead them.
The cow and the bear shall graze;
Their young ones shall lie down together;
And the lion shall eat straw like the ox.
The nursing child shall play by the cobra’s hole,
And the weaned child shall put his hand in the viper’s den.
They shall not hurt nor destroy in all My holy mountain,
For the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the LORD
As the waters cover the sea.
Isaiah 11:6-9
The Fulfillment of Our Existence (Perfection in Human Life)
Frequently, we sense the limitations of our mortal existence, yearning for a freedom we’ve yet to experience; we know that the whole creation groans and labors with birth pangs together until now. (Romans 8:22-23). In 1 Corinthians 15:49-53, Paul provides a glimpse of this liberation—a transformation into a glorious, incorruptible state. Picture a life in perfect harmony with our Creator, our full potential realized. And as we have borne the image of the man of dust, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly Man. (1 Cor 15:49)
Imagine a world where we are free from the burdens of guilt and wrongdoing, fostering deep and authentic connections among people. There would be no divisions or prejudices, only a universal brotherhood where love and empathy reign. Life’s pursuits would be driven by selflessness and creativity, unencumbered by selfish desires or destructive impulses. Trust and peace would permeate every facet of existence as individuals live in perfect alignment with their highest moral and spiritual aspirations.
The Grand Reunion (Gathering Believers from All Ages)
Envision a gathering where time and space converge— general assembly and church of the firstborn who are registered in heaven (Hebrews 12:22-23). We will share fellowship in God’s presence from Adam to the apostle Paul, from ancient prophets to modern martyrs. Imagine the overwhelming joy of meeting again with all our cherished loved ones who have passed on to eternal life. As we see their familiar faces and longed-for smiles, the pain of their absence, which has weighed on us for so long, vanishes instantly.
In the Presence of Ultimate Love (Longing to Be with Jesus)
Above all, our hearts yearn to be in the presence of Jesus Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many mansions (John 14:3). To express our gratitude, bask in His love, and witness our faith become sight. This marks the culmination of our journey—the moment when faith becomes reality, and we find ourselves truly at home.
“And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, ‘Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.'” (Revelation 21:3-4)
As we eagerly await the dawn of Christ’s return, let us cling to these promises. They shine as beacons in our darkest hours, guiding, comforting, and reminding us of the glorious day that awaits. Let us dwell in this twilight with hopeful hearts, knowing that the Light of the World will soon rise.
