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This quarter, we focus on Jesus as our Soon-Coming King in our weekly devotional series. This week's devotional comes from Mark 11 – Luke 1:25.

Martin Luther said only two days were reflected on his calendar: “today and that day.” The latter referred to Jesus Christ’s return to rapture the redeemed. In the same way, we should anticipate and be ready constantly for that coming day of promise!

If the frequency of biblical references correlates to the importance of a subject, the second coming of Christ is very important indeed.

Consider the following:

  • Christ’s coming is mentioned more than 300 times in the New Testament, or on average once every 25 verses. 
  • In Paul’s epistles, there are more than 50 references about the coming of Christ to rapture the church. 
  • It has been said that there are eight times the verses concerning the second coming of Christ than those that relate to His first coming. 
  • Entire books (1 and 2 Thessalonians, Revelation) and chapters (Matthew 24, 25, Mark 13, Luke 21) are devoted to this subject. 
  • Jesus Himself often referred to His coming again, urging His followers to watch and be ready.

In John 14:2 – 3, Jesus encouraged the disciples with these words: “I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also” (NKJV). In Mark 13:32 – 33, Jesus spoke these words regarding His return: “But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Take heed, watch and pray; for you do not know when the time is.”

In light of Jesus’ words and the promise of His return, how should we live? I would suggest that we live each day expectantly, actively and focused: 

  • Be expectant, because Jesus told us to look with anticipation to His return. I like to say it this way: “I live with my rapture shoes on every day.”
  • Be active, because there are many who do not know Jesus Christ as their Savior. They must see a genuine witness of Jesus in our lives and hear the gospel message.
  • Be focused, because this life is shaping our eternity. As Matthew Henry said, “It ought to be the business of every day to prepare for our final day.”

May our daily lives be marked by looking and longing for Christ’s return.

By: Farrell Lemings, senior pastor of Grace Covenant (Cornelius Foursquare Church) in Cornelius, N.C.

Share your journey through the Gospels » Leave a comment below to share what God is showing you personally as the Foursquare family reads through the Gospels! Download the reading plan bookmarks for 2012, and you can also subscribe to the weekly Foursquare Leader Prayer email to receive insights and inspiration from Foursquare leaders around the world. 

is a freelance writer living in Long Beach, Calif.
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