Awaiting the Second Coming
The Challenge of Preparedness
Living in Hope and Readiness
A Call to Watchfulness and Faithfulness
The Second Coming of Christ, sometimes called the Second Advent or Parousia, is the Christian belief that Jesus will return to earth in power and glory to fulfill God’s plan. When Jesus comes again, He will bring judgment, establish His Kingdom fully, and restore creation to its intended peace and perfection. As N.T. Wright explains, this is not merely an event to watch for, but a reality to live toward, engaging our faith daily in anticipation.
The New Testament speaks often of this promised return, yet Jesus Himself said, “But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father” (Matthew 24:36). This timing uncertainty creates both a promise and a challenge for believers: we are called to live every day with faithful anticipation, actively engaged in God’s work as we await His return.
What Does the Second Coming Mean?
The Second Coming is a reminder of God’s promise that evil, sin, and death will not have the final word. This event represents the culmination of God’s plan, where Jesus will come to judge the living and the dead, as described in Matthew 25:31-46, bringing justice and the full realization of His Kingdom. For believers, the Second Coming holds deep hope—a future where all wrongs are made right, and all suffering is replaced by God’s peace and presence.
Alexander Maclaren describes this promise as a call to true readiness: “The worth or worthlessness of a life is determined by the way in which it meets the uncertainty of the future.” In other words, it is not simply about anticipating Christ’s return; it’s about aligning our lives with God’s will, living with purpose, integrity, and compassion. Each moment matters in the light of His coming.
The Challenge of the Second Coming
While the Second Coming is a promise of hope, it also brings a unique challenge. The uncertainty of Christ’s timing means we cannot live passively; instead, we must remain vigilant and faithful in our discipleship. Jesus’ words in Luke 12:42-46 emphasize this, painting a picture of a faithful servant who manages his household diligently while awaiting his master’s return. This servant represents the call for each of us to live with faithful, active obedience, serving others and tending to God’s work with dedication.
1. The Uncertainty of Timing: The fact that no one knows when Christ will return calls us to a state of ongoing readiness. Matthew Henry comments, “Christ keeps no servants to be idle; they have something to do, and must not neglect to do it.” We are not called to passively wait, but to live purposefully, reflecting God’s love and grace in all we do. Henry’s words remind us that readiness is not passive but deeply active.
2. Living in Faithful Obedience: This call to live for God every day is what Eugene Peterson refers to as “a long obedience in the same direction.” True discipleship requires a consistent commitment to Christ’s teachings, even in mundane or challenging circumstances. As Jesus instructs in Matthew 24:42, “Therefore, keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come.” This requires sustained faithfulness, enduring love, and steady service, even when it’s not easy or when life seems repetitive.
3. Avoiding Complacency and Distraction: One of Jesus’ most significant warnings is against complacency. The parable in Luke 12 warns of a servant who, assuming the master’s return is delayed, falls into selfish and reckless behavior. This servant’s neglectful attitude leads to serious consequences, a reminder of the dangers of spiritual complacency. Charles Spurgeon urges us to “be always doing His will,” reminding us that readiness is about actively choosing God’s way over our own, even when it requires sacrifice.
4. Enduring Doubts and Challenges: Life’s hardships, doubts, and injustices can sometimes make it hard to remain hopeful. Yet the Second Coming challenges us to persevere, knowing that Christ’s return will make all things right. James encourages believers in times of suffering, saying, “You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near” (James 5:8). N.T. Wright reminds us that faithful living now is a foretaste of the coming Kingdom. By living in kindness, justice, and humility, we are not only preparing ourselves but also sharing Christ’s hope with others.
5. Living Counter-Culturally: Preparing for Christ’s return often means living in a way that may be misunderstood or even opposed by the world. Our priorities and values as believers differ, rooted in the hope of the Kingdom rather than in the pursuit of personal gain or fleeting success. William Barclay says it well: “We must live every day as if it were our last, but plan as if we were going to live forever.” This perspective requires courage, resilience, and a commitment to God’s vision over society’s expectations.
The Call to Live in Readiness
The Second Coming is a call not just to await an event but to live each day as a meaningful part of God’s Kingdom. By aligning our actions, attitudes, and lives with God’s will, we prepare ourselves and our world for Christ’s return. Faithfulness means embodying the love of Christ, caring for others, proclaiming the gospel, and remaining steadfast in hope. It’s a journey that requires intentionality, prayer, and a heart continually turned toward God.
As Charles Spurgeon so beautifully puts it, “The best way to be ready for the Lord’s coming is to be always doing His will.” May we each live with hearts fixed on Christ, minds devoted to His Word, and hands committed to His work, so that when He returns, we are found faithful, loving, and ready.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, we await Your return with hope and expectation. Strengthen us to live each day with faithfulness, love, and purpose. Help us to serve others, walk in humility, and stay true to Your teachings. Keep us vigilant and ready, not out of fear, but out of love for You and a desire to see Your Kingdom come. May our lives honor You until the day You return. Amen.
Bible Verses for Strength in the Waiting
• “Therefore, you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.” – Matthew 24:44
• “Blessed is that servant whom his master will find so doing when he comes.” – Luke 12:43
• “For here we do not have a lasting city, but we are seeking the city which is to come.” – Hebrews 13:14
• “Let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap if we do not give up.” – Galatians 6:9
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