Day 24: Second Advent

We’ve talked about the yearning of God’s people for the birth of the Messiah. At long last the eternal, all-sufficient King became a baby to be held by human hands, so that we might be held fast by Him eternally. But we are still waiting for something. This song reminds us that God’s people – those who have received the righteousness of Christ through faith in him – now long for Christ’s return. Now he reigns in our hearts. One day he will shake all nations in final judgement, and we will dwell with him in the Kingdom. We who belong to him do not fear that day, but rather look forward to it, because Christ is our salvation and comfort. He is our strength and consolation. He was, is, and always will be King.

Scriptures to consider:
For thus says the LORD of hosts: Yet once more, in a little while, I will shake the heavens and the earth and the sea and the dry land. And I will shake all nations, so that the treasures of all nations shall come in, and I will fill this house with glory, says the LORD of hosts. The silver is mine, and the gold is mine, declares the LORD of hosts. The latter glory of this house shall be greater than the former, says the LORD of hosts. And in this place I will give peace, declares the LORD of hosts. Haggai 2:6-9

“I, Jesus, have sent my angel to testify to you about these things for the churches. I am the root and the descendant of David, the bright morning star.”…He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus! Revelation 22:16, 20

Hymn to enjoy:
Come, thou long expected Jesus,
born to set thy people free;
from our fears and sins release us,
let us find our rest in thee.
Israel’s strength and consolation,
hope of all the earth thou art;
dear desire of every nation,
joy of every longing heart.

Born thy people to deliver,
born a child and yet a King,
born to reign in us forever,
now thy gracious kingdom bring.
By thine own eternal spirit
rule in all our hearts alone;
by thine all sufficient merit,
raise us to thy glorious throne.

Lyrics by Charles Wesley (1744); tune by Rowland Prichard (1830)

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