This is the second part of our Advent devotional. You can download the whole devotional here.

Meditation 2 – Looking Ahead

We began Advent by meditating on the first “coming” of Jesus, we continue now by turning our hearts and minds to the return of Jesus; the “Second Coming”.

Take some time over the next week and a half to study the following scriptures, read the material, answer the reflection questions and practice the exercises. You may consider doing this as part of a small group or in your family devotions.

Readings: The Player movie download

John 14:3
Acts 1:9-11
1 Corinthians 15:51-52
1 Thessalonians 4:16-18
Titus 2:11-13
2 Peter 3
Revelation 22:20

Waiting:

Jesus himself spoke of his return in the Book of John. He told the disciples that he was going to prepare a place for them and that he would come back to get them (and us). And as Jesus ascended in Heaven after giving the disciples their mission, angels also testified to the fact that He would indeed be back (Acts 1:11). Lastly, Jesus says in the final words of the Bible, “Surely I am coming soon.” (Revelation 22:20).
The Bible is clear that Jesus is going to come back to this earth and finish what he started; the Story is not over!.

The fact that Jesus is coming back provides us with hope. In the end, evil does not win, God does. This great hope tells us that we need not surrender to evil. Though the clouds may seem dark today, the future is bright! Jesus is coming back and will deal the final blow to evil and will establish his Kingdom forever!

This great hope offers to us optimism about life. When Jesus returns, he will bring wholeness to those who love and follow Him. There will be no more pain, no more sin, no more tears or death. Knowing that He is going to return and make all things new (Isaiah 65) helps us to look at this life in a whole new way.

From the song Sing to the King by Billy Foote:

For His returning we watch and we pray
We will be ready the dawn of that day
We’ll join in singing with all the redeemed
‘Cause Satan is vanquished and Jesus is King

Reflection:

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1. When you think about the Second Coming of Jesus, what do you feel? Hope? Fear? Confusion? Why do you think you feel this way?

2. Do you tend to have a pessimistic (negative) or optimistic (positive) outlook on life? Why?

3. How does Jesus’ return give us hope?

4. What area in your life can you apply this hope to?

5. How should we live while we wait for Jesus’ return? (see Matthew 25, Titus 2:11-13, 2 Peter 3:11-15)

Exercises:

1. When you encounter the effects of evil and sin in this world, take a moment to think about the return of Jesus and thank Him that when he returns these things will be no more.

2. Tell someone about Jesus’ return. Do as 1 Thessalonians 4:16-18 says and encourage someone with these words. If you share with someone who is not a Christian, listen to the leading of the Holy Spirit and consider sharing with them the good news of Jesus.

3. Read Matthew 25. Think of specific ways of how you can, as you await the return of your Master, do what these verses tell us.

4. Read 2 Peter 3:8-10. According to these verses, why hasn’t Jesus returned yet? Take some time and reflect on the answer.

As you take some time over the next week and a half to work through the scripture readings, reflections questions, and exercises please feel free to share your thoughts and comments on what God is teaching you.