In 1985 my daughter, Jessica was born. We were in the hospital in Nuremberg, Germany and I remember doing the “shhh-shhh-shhh-woosh” breathing thing and thinking what an ordeal, albeit, what a wonderful ordeal it was for my wife. We pushed and pushed and pushed (I like to say “we” even though all I did was hold her hand)! “We” have to go through these things and then….whalla….the most beautiful child is born! Jessica came out saying, “I’m coming home!”…..at least in my mind…..
Remember that we are in the middle of the Olivette Discourse, the only place in the Bible where Jesus Himself is asked and answers about the end times.
Mark 13:4 (TNIV)
“Tell us, when will these things happen? And what will be the sign that they are all about to be fulfilled?”Mark 13:24-28 (TNIV)
24 “But in those days, following that distress, “ ‘the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; 25 the stars will fall from the sky, and the heavenly bodies will be shaken.’ 26 “At that time people will see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory. 27 And he will send his angels and gather his elect from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of the heavens. 28 “Now learn this lesson from the fig tree: As soon as its twigs get tender and its leaves come out, you know that summer is near.
I see the second Coming of Jesus much like a new birth. Jesus is describing here the birthpangs of the new heaven and new earth. In one glorious swoosh……Heaven and earth almost change places, Jesus appears in glory and all those who love and believe (the elect) are gathered from all time, “from the ends of the earth to the ends of the heavens.” No one will be over looked or forgotten. God won’t lose track of anyone!
Just like the seasons change, we anticipate spring and summer, we anticipate the second coming of our Lord and Savior.
Here is my question: Are you in a personal winter longing for spring and summer? Are you simply in the womb anticipating your birth and being in the arms of your Father? Do you long for the warmth and love of His loving arms cradling you in His?
The answer is to come in faith and to live in faith with Jesus.
It was a glorious day when my daughter was born. And it will be a glorious day when our Lord and Savior returns. As those who believe and love Jesus, we will be gathered from the “ends of the earth to the ends of the heavens” in a new earth and new heavens. Jesus WILL come again and as we are promised in Revelation 21:
Revelation 21:4-5 (TNIV)
4 ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” 5 He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!” Then he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.”