The Returning King
Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, trust also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. – John 14:1-3
The hope of believers since the beginning of the faith has been the eternal home which awaits the faithful. However, the disciples did not understand that when Jesus spoke the words John records in our verse today.
Even at this time, shortly before his crucifixion, the disciples were looking for a literal earthly kingdom to be established with them as the 12 leaders, just as there were 12 tribes of Israel.
After seeing the miracles, and hearing the teachings of Jesus, the disciples still didn’t get it. In fact, when Jesus was taken to be judged they ran and hid. Peter denied him then disappeared. They gathered in a room questioning what they would do now that their venture was over.
Finally, after the resurrection, Jesus revealed himself to them. Their faith began to grow, and then he was being taken from them again. They watched as he ascended to heaven and an angel appeared to them and told them, “This same Jesus, who was taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven” (Acts 1:11).
They realized what Jesus meant when he said, “I go to prepare a place for you.” They knew then that there would be a time that the king would return. Now they must go to Jerusalem and wait for the promise of the Father.
When the Holy Spirit came upon them, bringing with him the kingdom anointing, the disciples realized that now the kingdom was theirs to build until he returns. Our hope is in his return, his hope is in our faithfulness to kingdom anointing and purpose.
God, through our faith in Christ, has given us a hope and we have this hope as an anchor for our souls - Hebrews 6:19
Prayer: Lord, grant me faith to continue serving you in the hope of that eternal home. In Jesus name. Amen.
Message: When the Holy Spirit came upon them, bringing with him the kingdom anointing, the disciples realized that now the kingdom was theirs to build until he returns. Our hope is in his return, his hope is in our faithfulness to kingdom anointing and purpose.
Affirmation: Jesus is returning and I am patiently awaiting his arrival. I am committed to working until he comes.
Reflection: Is it possible that the return of Christ is in two stages? First, he returns as Holy Spirit to indwell believers and second he returns to bring his followers into the eternal kingdom.
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