‘And the glory of the LORD will be revealed, and all people will see it together. For the mouth of the LORD has spoken.’ (v5) Isaiah 40:1–8
Three times God’s glory initiates in our human story. First, God spoke creation into existence. Next, Jesus was born, the mystery who is both God and man. Eventually, Christ will return, marking the end of the ages.
Today we live in the time following Jesus’ earthly life and wait in anticipation of His return. We must not become distracted from our present by looking for His return but must remind ourselves to order our lives in expectation of His return, which Scripture says will be sudden and unexpected, like a thief in the night (Rev. 16:15).
Our confidence is rooted in God’s Word. We are instructed not to sit and contemplate when that time will be (Acts 1:7; 11). Rather, we are called to carry out God’s works of righteousness whilst we can (John 9:4).
We can be certain that God’s Word will come to pass. Our responsibility is to maintain our friendship with God through prayer and Bible reading, whilst applying ourselves to what we are called to do; at home, at work, in our community and church family.
We may see little direct activity of God from one day to the next, yet God’s Word confirms that, whilst our lives flourish and fade in a brief season, His promise endures forever. Therefore, we confidently declare with the archangel Gabriel, ‘For no word from God will ever fail.’ (Luke 1:37).
SCRIPTURE TO CONSIDER: Gen. 4:1–11; Esth. 4:6–17; 1 Thess. 4:1–18; 1 Thess. 5:1–11.
AN ACTION TO TAKE: Is it difficult to focus on God in the daily rhythm of your life? Why is this?
A PRAYER TO MAKE: ‘Lord, may I work to serve your kingdom, whilst living in expectation of Your return. In the name of Jesus, Amen.’
Photo taken from pixahive.com
