WEEK 3, DAY 4 OF COME, LORD JESUS, COME – (A LOVE GOD GREATLY STUDY)
TODAY’S READING: Acts 1:1-11; Hebrews 9:27-28 (SOAP: Hebrews 9:27-28)
27 And just as people are appointed to die once, and then to face judgment, 28 so also, after Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many, to those who eagerly await him he will appear a second time, not to bear sin but to bring salvation.
Hebrews 9:27-28 NET
OBSERVATIONS
Many Convincing Proofs
While our focus verses come from Hebrews 9:27-28 I cannot help but make a few observations on the passage from Acts chapter 1. In large part it is a recap of Luke 24, where we read about being witnesses and waiting on the Holy Spirit. But there is one line that caught my attention, “He presented Himself alive with many convincing proofs.” It made me ask myself – ‘how has He presented Himself to me?’ To the apostles He appeared for more than forty days and spoke with them about matters of the kingdom, not to mention other proofs like inviting Thomas to reach out and touch where the nails had been in his hands and sides, telling him to “stop doubting and believe”. We may not have His visible appearance with us as the apostles did or be able to touch His nail scarred hands as Thomas did, but God’s Word is full of proofs and conversations about matters concerning the Kingdom of God. And, like the apostles, we have been given the Holy Spirit, who lives in us. Personally, for me, it has been the awareness of His presence with me, or watching Him work in the life of a loved one, or the peace that comes in a storm of life or an engulfing fear, or the power of His Spirit in me when I know I have no strength of my own.
The Focus Passage
Like man – Jesus died once, and He did it to make atonement, or pay, for our sin. His sacrifice was so perfect that we have no need of another payment, or atonement. So when He returns it will not be to pay for our sins but to save all those who have trusted in Him from this dark sin-filled world.
SO WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR US?
It means that I can know and trust that He is coming again and will take me out of this world to forever live with Him. To which I say – Hallelujah!! COME, LORD JESUS, COME!!
RESPONSE TO GOD’S WORD
Father, by faith I am saved! Because of Your grace through the atonement of Christ – the perfect, spotless lamb. And this same Jesus will return for me, for I am sealed with the Holy Spirit whom You gave me the moment I believed. I claim and praise You for Your promises in Jesus’ name – and wait with great expectation for His return – Amen and Amen!
YOUR TURN: REFLECTIONS
- How has Jesus presented Himself to you?
- While you wait for Jesus’ return, what can you do today to help share Him with your neighbors and friends?