Hope in Christ’s Return

Titus 2:11-14 (NASB) 2020 edition

11 For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all people,
12 instructing us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously, and godly in the present age,
13 looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus,
14 who gave Himself for us to redeem us from every lawless deed, and to purify for Himself a people for His own possession, eager for good deeds.

REFLECTION

Almost every Sunday of my life I have stood in the midst of God’s people to recite the creed, and have affirmed my belief that the Lord “will come again with glory to judge both the quick and the dead.” Before I became a heart baptized man, the thought of judgment was a bit frightening, but after my conversion it became something I could look forward to with joy.

The coming of the Lord will be the day of the consummation of all that is good and true, all that is holy and righteous.

In Christ I look forward to that day with expectant hope. I am one of those who have loved his appearing, and long for his return. It is my hope. Whether I am alive on that day, or meet him sooner in my death when he comes to take me home, his return is my hope.

PRAYER

Lord Jesus, as we wait for Your glorious return, we thank You for the hope that we have in You. Thank You for transforming our fear of judgment into a joyful anticipation of Your coming. Help us to live with this hope every day, to be faithful in our service to You, and to share the good news of Your salvation with others. We long for Your return, and we wait with expectant hearts. Amen.

Written by the Rev. Canon dr. Jon C. Shuler, Servant General Emeritus and Prior, NAMS Georgetown.