It Starts Small

¹⁶ For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first.

1 Thessalonians 4:16

In 1 Thessalonians 4:16, amidst the fervor of discussing the triumphant return of Jesus Christ to our world, Paul speaks passionately. He invokes the notion of “we who are alive” at that momentous event. This powerful declaration reveals Paul’s deep conviction. He believed he would still be among the living on that glorious day when Jesus returns. It’s a sentiment echoed throughout the New Testament. The writings pulse with the expectation that the Messiah’s return was imminent. It seemed just around the corner and would unfold before we had time to catch our breath!

³¹ those who use the things of the world, as if not engrossed in them. For this world in its present form is passing away.

1 Corinthians 7:31

9 And he said to them, “Truly I tell you, some who are standing here will not taste death before they see that the kingdom of God has come with power.”

Mark 9:1

⁷ “Look, I am coming soon! Blessed is the one who keeps the words of the prophecy written in this scroll.”

Revelation 22:7

Other writings intimate that Christians gradually came to accept that it might take more time.

²² If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! ²³ I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; ²⁴ but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body.

Philippians 1:22-24

³ Above all, you must understand that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires. ⁴ They will say, “Where is this ‘coming’ he promised? Ever since our ancestors died, everything goes on as it has since the beginning of creation.” ⁵ But they deliberately forget that long ago by God’s word the heavens came into being and the earth was formed out of water and by water. ⁶ By these waters also the world of that time was deluged and destroyed. ⁷ By the same word the present heavens and earth are reserved for fire, being kept for the day of judgment and destruction of the ungodly.

⁸ But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. ⁹ The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.

2 Peter 3:3-9

Peter, also known as Cephas or Simon Peter, was a courageous disciple. In a moment of fear, he denied Jesus during His trial. Yet, he rose from that fall to become a fervent leader in proclaiming the message of Christ. Intriguingly, various writings reflect a fascinating lack of interest or awareness regarding the concept of Jesus’ physical return. Within the vibrant tapestry of modern Christianity, believers express a rich and diverse array of convictions. They ponder the miraculous possibilities of when, how, and even if Jesus will come again one day.

The fervent anticipation of Jesus’ return ignites the hearts of believers in the church today. This divine hope radiates through powerful Christian preaching. It echoes in the soul-stirring hymns like “Soon and Very Soon” and the uplifting gospel song “Jesus Is Coming Soon.” In these passionate melodies, the hope for Jesus’ return becomes a blazing beacon of joy. It symbolizes rest after relentless trials. It signifies the glorious deliverance from the depths of suffering.

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