WEEK 5, DAY 3: Jesus Will Return…
After Jesus’ resurrection, He was sure to teach His followers that He will one day return. As you can imagine, many of His disciples expected it to happen any day. They lived their lives by preaching the Gospel and doing their very best to fulfill Jesus’ commands to love God, love others, and to make disciples. Some were imprisoned, beaten, exiled, or even executed. Yet they all continued to believe that Jesus was going to return any day.
Centuries later, the Apostles’ Creed affirmed that a key teaching of the Christian faith is that Jesus will one day return. If Christians really do believe that Jesus is God, that He did die for our sins, that He did rise from the grave, and that He did ascend into heaven, it makes complete sense that we would continue to believe that He is going to return.
While we may not know when it will happen or what it may look like, it’s important to continue to hold onto hope that Jesus will return, and His return will be far greater than anything we can imagine.
READING & JOURNALING:
HEBREWS 9:27-28, REVELATION 1:4-8
What does Hebrews 9:27-28 say is the purpose of Jesus’ life and ministry? Similarly, what does it say is the purpose of His second coming?
Would you live any differently if you knew for sure that Jesus would return sometime over the next week, month, or year? If so, why do you think that is?
PRAYER:
Heavenly Father, today’s reading has helped me realize that I probably would live differently if I knew for certain Jesus would return sometime soon. But deep down I know that I should be living the life You have called me to live, and the timing of Jesus’ return ought not impact how I live. May I live each day as it may be my last. I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
F260 READING: (A Scripture Reading Plan for Busy Believers)
The F260 is a Scripture Reading Plan designed to read through the foundational passages of the Bible through a year (September 2019 – August 2020). It is a separate reading from the daily devotional but is included for those who would like to engage with the Scriptures on a deeper level throughout the year.
Read: 1 Kings 21 & 22
Journal: Write it out. Following the pattern from 7 Arrows Page (click here) what did you learn from today’s reading?
Note: Are you looking for a Study Bible to help you engage with the Scriptures at a deeper level? If so, click here for some recommendations.
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