We started this devo series by looking at creation and the amazing fact that we were made in God’s image. We saw how that image was marred by the fall when sin entered our world and how the story of God with mankind has been to rescue images that were broken and reimage us in His image once again. 

As we conclude this Big Word’s of the Bible series, I want us to be reminded that the Jesus who created the world, came into the world in the incarnation, died for our sin on the cross, is one day going to return to fully eradicate evil, and usher in His eternal kingdom. It is His second coming.

When He returns, there will be the resurrection of the dead and our souls will be united with our body, only this time a spiritual body like Christ’s. It will be an amazing moment. The Apostle John says, “Dear Friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when he appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. Everyone who has this hope in him purifies himself, just as he is pure”. (1 John 3:2-3)

Think about that. We will be like him because we will see him as he is. In Revelation 7:15-17, that day is described this way: “They are before the throne of God and serve him day and night in his temple; and he who sits on the throne will spread his tent over them. Never again will they hunger; never again will they thirst. The sun will not beat upon them, nor any scorching heat. For the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd; and he will lead them to springs of living water. And God will wipe every tear from their eyes.”

No more struggle with sin. No more disease, sadness, depression, relational conflict, injustice, racism, famine, war, or any of the illnesses that plague our planet. We will be with the One who made us and we will be at peace with everyone around us. Satan will no longer have any impact on our lives. There may be tears when we see Him, all those things in life that we may regret, sorrows we have, pain and scars that we have accumulated. There may be tears but God will wipe away every tear from our eyes. Once and for all. 

There is endless speculation over when Jesus will return. We have been living in the last days since the day he returned to heaven. If He wanted us to know when He would return He would have told us. 

What He really wants from us is what the Apostle John said above:  “Everyone who has this hope in him purifies himself, just as he is pure.” He wants us to be living in light of His return, purifying our lives and ready to receive Him when He comes. As you walk through your day today, consider whether you are living in a way that pleases Him when He returns. That is our goal.

Father, I look forward to a day when I am truly like you because I will see you face to face. There will be many tears that you will wipe from my eyes and with those tears wiped away, I will be made whole. And eternally alive in the joy of your salvation. Thank you and help me to live in light of that day. Amen.