He said therefore, A certain nobleman went into a far country to receive for Himself a kingdom, and to return. Luke 19:12
There is no question in our minds that when the Lord Jesus spoke of a certain nobleman who went into a far country to receive for Himself a kingdom, He was referring to Himself. He came all the way from Heaven’s ivory palaces to Golgotha’s bitter cross so that He might provide for the redemption of a people who would worship Him and endorse Him as their King. What is particularly precious to us as we read this text is the little reminder at the end that the Lord Jesus spoke of the nobleman’s intention to return. The Lord Jesus makes it plain that it has always been His intention that He will return for His people. He told His disciples that there are many mansions in His Father’s house, and that He was going to prepare a place for them (John 14:2). He added, I will come again, and receive you unto Myself; that where I am, there ye may be also (John 14:3). The reality that He is returning for us is precious to us, but not as precious as it should be.
A nobleman who was going away to receive a kingdom, and who promised to return, would be expecting his people to be preparing for his return, and to be on watch for his appearing. That is the case with the Lord Jesus. So what are we doing to prepare for His return? Are we conducting our Lord’s business? Are we doing all we can for the furtherance of the Gospel. Are we following our Lord’s commands in terms of our manner of life, our manner of gathering, our submission to His will in all things? What are we doing to maintain a watch for His appearing? Are we familiar with the Scriptures that tell of His return? Do we know what signs to look for that would indicate that His coming is near? Are we keeping a loose grip on the things of the world so that His appearance will not impede our departure to be with Him?
Our day is not marked by any particular attention to the soon coming of the Lord Jesus. The doctrine of the Rapture is not spoken of much in our gatherings, or even in our private conversations, not like it was only 50 years ago. Does that make the return of the Lord Jesus less likely? Of course not! It simply means that the Lord’s people are less aware of the reality of the Rapture. It also means that we are less likely to be preparing and watching for His return. For many of us, His reappearance will be a huge surprise, catching us unawares. That should not be, especially with so many mentions in the Scriptures that He will return.
The Lord Jesus is coming back for us. Let that lovely truth make a difference in your life today. – Jim MacIntosh