Dear Hope family,

Thought for the Week

Promise: I will return!

John 14v3 “And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me.”

There is a big difference between someone leaving for ever and a temporary separation. Jesus repeatedly said words similar to the above: that when he departed, he would be gone for only a while and then he would return.

In the very last few paragraphs of the Bible, in Revelation 22, Jesus says,

“Behold I am coming soon!” v7

“Behold I am coming soon!” v12

“Yes, I am coming soon!” v20

As Christians we have this eager anticipation. We plan and prepare on the basis of his coming. We live and serve because he is coming. The complete verse in Revelation 22v12 is “Behold I am coming soon! My reward is with me and I will give to everyone according to what he has done.”

Let us meditate today on Jesus returning to this earth and us coming face to face with Him. What will your conversation with Him be like? Will it be as close friends, distant friends or as enemies? Jesus wants you to be close friends with him now. He welcomes all who come. He has laid down his life for you and the only fitting response is to lay down our lives for Him.

I trust you know the truth of the old Russian hymn:

“When Christ shall come, with shout of acclamation,
And take me home, what joy shall fill my heart.
Then I shall bow, in humble adoration,
And there proclaim: ‘My God, how great Thou art!’”

With love and blessing,

Roland