Second Advent
At this time of year we celebrate the First Advent, when Jesus came to earth as a baby. But what about the Second Advent? Do we celebrate that? It’s the time when Jesus will come again as King of Kings to rule the world. When He came the first time, not many recognized Him because He was humble and poor. The suffering Savior. The religious leaders thought that if He were really the Christ, He would put an end to suffering and right all wrongs under His reign. He would cancel suffering, not endure it.
God is full of surprises. So now I’m wondering what God has in store for us at the time of Jesus’ second coming. I know there are a lot of prophecies about it, but we are in danger of misinterpreting them. I’m excited about all the possibilities that are in store, even though I don’t understand them fully.
I wonder if John understood what he saw in a vision, as recorded in Revelation 19:11-16. “Now I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse. And He who sat on him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and makes war. His eyes were like a flame of fire, and on His head were many crowns. He had a name written that no one knew except Himself. He was clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His name is called The Word of God. And the armies in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, followed Him on white horses. Now out of His mouth goes a sharp sword, that with it He should strike the nations. And He Himself will rule them with a rod of iron. He Himself treads the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. And He has on His robe and on His thigh a name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.”
No wonder Isaac Watts wrote of this in “Joy to the World.” We find the basis for this hymn in Psalm 98. “Shout joyfully before the Lord, the King. Let the sea roar, and all its fullness, the world and those who dwell in it; let the rivers clap their hands; let the hills be joyful together before the Lord, for He is coming to judge the earth. With righteousness He shall judge the world, and the peoples with equity.”
Check out some of the phrases from this beloved carol: “Joy to the world! The Lord is come. Let earth receive her King. Joy to the world! The Savior reigns. He rules the world with truth and grace, and makes the nations prove the glories of His righteousness, and wonders of His love.”
Are you celebrating both the first and second advents during this holiday season? Are you excited about the possibility that the Lord might surprise us and come today? I’m so ready! How about you?
“I’m Ready for Your Comin’, Lord” from “Keep Walkin’”
