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Where Is He?
“WHERE IS HE?”
Not long after Jesus ascended into heaven in Acts 1, the Thessalonians were troubled by people who began mocking the return of Jesus. Many were asking, “Where is He?” The Christians in Thessalonica were concerned about His coming. Paul reminded them to be patient and wait for the Lord. Jesus promised many times that, “He would come again.” (John 14:1-6) Paul emphasized this also in I Corinthians 4:5, I Thessalonians 4:15-17, and 2 Thessalonians 1:7-10.
Many today are skeptical of Jesus coming again, as well. It has been two thousand years, and He has not returned. It has been predicted that He would come, and each time it did not happen. Many have even twisted the Word of God to talk about His coming being a 1,000-year reign on the earth, the restoring of the temple and the throne in Jerusalem, and saints suffering through a tribulation. So, we do not seem to be much different than those in Thessalonica.
In our monthly men’s Bible class, we discussed this very topic on Tuesday. As we read through the verses in the Scriptures, it became clear that the second coming of Jesus will involve many things.
First, it will be a clearly visible return unlike those who have said that He has already come, but people did not realize it. The Scriptures say that “every eye shall see Him.” (Revelation 1:7) He shall come again just as He ascended in the clouds in Acts 1:9-11.
Second, it will be a glorious return. When Jesus came the first time to be born of Mary, it was a humble beginning, but He will return in glory with His angels. (Luke 9:26) The heavenly host of angels will accompany their king when He returns.
Thirdly, there will be no visible signs preceding His return. While many have tried to predict when Jesus will return by looking at earthly events, the Bible states, “that He will come like a thief in the night.” I Thessalonians 5:4 “No one knows that hour except the Father in Heaven.”
Knowing these facts, should we make preparations or should we just brush it off and say, ”Oh well, it has been thousands of years and He has not returned, so why think about it?”
For many years, men have prayed, “Lord, please come quickly.” Do we still pray for Jesus to come quickly or even have that thought anymore? He will return some day. ARE YOU READY?
Written by Larry Schneider
