25 There will be signs in the sun and moon and stars, and on the earth dismay among the nations, bewildered by the roaring of the sea and the surging of the waves. 26 Men will faint from fear and anxiety over what is coming upon the earth, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. 27 At that time they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. 28 When these things begin to happen, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.”

REFLECTIONS

Written by Sam Wee

When I was much younger, I used to be absolutely terrified of Jesus coming back. The images of judgement, fire, death, and so on, made me really worried about what would happen to me. It would often keep me up at night.

I might not have understood everything about those images correctly. But to be honest, I think there was something appropriate in my response to Jesus’ return. In today’s passage, Jesus tells us there will be “dismay among the nations,” “roaring of the sea and surging of the waves,” and people fainting with fear. Even “the powers of the heavens will be shaken”! Those are, indeed, some truly terrifying images.

But did you notice Jesus’ instruction for what we are to do when these things happen? “Stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.” Wow, that was unexpected! In the midst of all of this chaos, redemption is drawing near. What comfort we have from the Lord Jesus Himself! On the day the Son of Man comes, those who are in Him will not face destruction, but will be saved!

This passage reminds me of the last verse of my favourite hymn:

“When I soar through realms unknown,
bow before the judgement throne.
Hide me then my refuge be,
Rock of Ages cleft for me.”

Jesus' sacrifice on the cross means that we will not face death on the last day, but will instead receive salvation. God Himself will be with us and will wipe every tear from our eyes. There will be no more pain or suffering. Death will be forever defeated, and we will be face to face with our God, in pure, unadulterated joy for the rest of eternity. What amazing hope we have in Christ!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Sam is a member of our Bossley Park Morning congregation.