The Coming King: Living In The Hope Of His Return Series

The Coming King: Living in the Hope of His Return”

Introduction

Imagine standing on a hilltop at dawn, watching the first rays of sunlight break over the horizon. The darkness flees, shadows scatter, and the world is bathed in a new light. This is a glimpse, a shadow, of what it will be like when our Lord Jesus Christ returns—not in secret, not in a whisper, but visibly, gloriously, in power.

As believers, we live between two worlds: the now and the not-yet. Jesus Christ, the King of kings, has promised He will return, and when He does, everything will be made right.

Today, we gather to reflect on one of the most awe-inspiring truths of our faith: the personal, physical, and visible return of Jesus Christ to reign in power and glory. This is not a vague hope or a distant dream—it is a promise that shapes our lives, our choices, and our discipleship.

Acts 1:9–11 (NLT): "After saying this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight. They were looking intently up into the sky as he was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them. 'Men of Galilee,' they said, 'why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.'”

The ascension of Christ is both a historical and doctrinal cornerstone. Luke records this event in Acts 1, completing the narrative of Jesus’ earthly ministry and highlighting His exaltation. The Greek word analambano (“taken up”) emphasizes that this ascension was not a secret disappearance but a sovereign, deliberate act. The angels’ words affirm the certainty of His return (parousia), a visible event that will not be hidden or misunderstood. For early disciples, this was a clarion call to faithfulness and expectancy. For us today, it is a summons to live as citizens of heaven while walking faithfully on earth.

1 Thessalonians 4:16–17 (NLT): "For the Lord himself will come down from heaven with a commanding shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet call of God. First, the Christians who have died will rise from their graves. Then, together with them, we who are still alive and remain on the earth will be caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. Then we will be with the Lord forever."

Paul addresses the Thessalonian believers amidst confusion about the fate of deceased Christians. He clarifies the order of resurrection and rapture.

Greek Insight: Harpagesometha (we will be caught up) shares the same root as harpazo, indicating a sudden, decisive action by God.

Modern believers often live distracted by the present. Paul calls us to focus on eternity, cultivating hope that shapes daily conduct.

Think of a lighthouse in a storm. The beam doesn’t change the storm, but it guides every sailor to safety. Jesus’ return is our guiding light in a dark world.

John Piper said, “The hope of Christ’s return is the secret weapon of the Christian life. It makes life meaningful, urgent, and joyful, even in suffering.”

Piper reminds us that our motivation to live holy lives, serve faithfully, and persevere through trials is anchored not in fear or obligation, but in joyful expectation.

Revelation 19:11–16 (NLT): "Then I saw heaven opened, and a white horse was standing there. Its rider was named Faithful and True, and he judges and wages a righteous war... On his robe at his thigh he has this name written: King of all kings and Lord of all lords."

John’s apocalyptic vision portrays Christ’s return as not only redemptive but also judicial. Faithful and True reflects His impeccable character. His power is exercised in justice, bringing final victory over evil.

Application for Discipleship:

Christians must live in light of His justice and authority. Every act of love, every choice of obedience, is testimony to a world that will see Christ reign visibly and rightly.

Imagine a courtroom where justice is perfectly executed. All wrongs are set right, every lie exposed. Christ’s return ensures this ultimate rectitude—an assurance for the oppressed, the faithful, and the weary.

Charles Stanley said, “Knowing that Jesus will return personally gives believers the courage to persevere in faith, even when life seems unjust.”

We proclaim that courage is not self-generated but received through trust in God’s promise and power.

Matthew 24:30–31 (NLT): "Then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky, and all the nations of the earth will mourn. They will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven, with power and great glory. And he will send out his angels with a mighty trumpet call to gather his chosen ones from the four winds, from one end of the heavens to the other."