“When the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the angels with Him, then He will sit on His glorious throne. Before Him will be gathered all the nations, and He will separate people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats.” (Matthew 25:31-32)
The first time Jesus Christ came to earth, He came as a helpless baby. He had temporarily laid aside His divine glory. Eventually He was even mocked, flogged and killed.
But Jesus will come to earth one more time. This time “in His glory.” Then He will judge all people. He will reward each one according to their deeds. And this will have enormous consequences: “These will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.” (Matthew 25:46) This is a gripping prospect. But it is also a moment to look forward to. Jesus encourages His disciples in Luke 21:28, “Now when these things begin to take place, straighten up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.” Jesus’ second coming means the end of all sin, evil and sorrow in the world. Then justice will finally be done. And Jesus’ followers need not fear His judgment. He assures them in John 5:24, “Whoever hears My word and believes Him Who sent Me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life.”
How do you look forward to Jesus’ second coming? Is this a reality for you that you take seriously? How does that show?