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THE LORD’S COMING IS NEAR
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 21
James 5:8

Luke 21:27-28

 

“…then look up,
and lift up your heads;

for your redemption draweth nigh.”

 

THE LORD’S COMING IS NEAR
 
Our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ’s coming (parousia) is an important New Testament eschatological event. This coming refers to the Rapture just right before the beginning of the Great Tribulation. Read the prophecy by our Lord Himself in Matthew 24:36-42.
 
Be patient: The Apostle reminds his readers to be patient. This patience is out of the truth that He will come and deliver believers from this wicked and oppressive world. So it describes a patient waiting. This patience is the confidence of a saint in the words of his Saviour. He will not turn away to find another means of comfort and protection from his present hardships. He is willing to bear the pains and agonies patiently, for he knows there is deliverance in God’s perfect timing. “Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward. For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise. For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry” (Heb 10:35-37).
 
Be established: They must have their hearts set, which means they must remain immovable or fixed. To “stablish” (James 5:8) is to become stronger in being firm and unchanging in attitude or belief. The saints are stable and established in the everlasting love of God. The covenant of grace preserves them until the end in the hands of Christ, the Rock of ages.
 
Let us take heart and be of good cheer. Let us not be dismayed nor faint and sink under pressure. Be of good courage, lift your heads. The coming of the Lord is drawing near. Let the joy of the Lord, the hope of His salvation and the assurance of eternal life be your compelling reasons to be patient and be established. It is sooner than you think. It is not very far off. It is drawing nearer and nearer. Be ready. God is near, and soon we shall see Him, and we shall be with Him forever and ever!
 
THOUGHT: Do I look forward to seeing my Lord and Saviour?
PRAYER: Father, may Thy children live with the understanding that the return of Jesus before the Great Tribulation is very near.

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