Framed by God's Faithfulness#
The first arrival of Jesus was not self-serving and, well … rather unspectacular. Only hints of His greatness were visible. The shepherds caught a glimpse of the heavenly praise and glory He deserved. Later, Peter, James and John saw Him briefly transfigured in glory on a mountaintop.
But no one will miss the second appearance of the risen King Jesus. It will be GLORIOUS! (Yes, I’m shouting). If His first arrival was a whisper, Jesus' return will be worldwide and monumental— impossible to miss this entrance!
Our king first came in humility to accomplish our rescue. When He returns in power, every knee will bow and every tongue will confess, “Jesus is Lord”.
Beyond any human imagination the wait will be worth it. We, on the other hand, are called to wait.
We wait for Jesus, our God and Savior, as Mary first did.
We await a 'new birth', a literal heavenly body of unseen splendor.
We wait with joy, knowing our salvation has already been secured.
We wait in obedience, powered daily by His grace to say no to ungodliness and worldly passions.
We wait, eager to pursue what is good.
We wait, with Jesus' Word in our hands, certain that He will keep every promise as He has countless times before.
We wait, knowing Jesus is with us by His guiding Holy Spirit day by day.
This waiting is secured with lives framed by God’s faithfulness —looking back with gratitude to the first Christmas and the cross, also looking forward in confident hope to Jesus' glorious return.
May our waiting be filled with wonder, our hearts attuned to praise, and our lives ready to welcome the King who was, is, and always will be with us.
#AUTHOR Annemarie Rivers, PUBLISHED under the title ~ 'God with us in confident hope' in YouthWorks annual Advent devotionals. Today's SoulSnack carries SoulSupply edits.