The Rest of The Story

“When HE (JESUS) SHALL COME to be glorified in his saints, and to be  admired in all them that believe (because our testimony among you was believed) in that day.” 

II Thessalonians 1:10 

Paul Harvey was the most listened-to radio personality in America of his time. Millions of loyal listeners would tune in every week to hear his unique blend of news and views. Growing up, I used to love listening to him. He always had the best behind-the-scenes stories of things that we never knew about famous people, often before they became famous. When he finished telling them, he would always end his broadcast with his famous line, “And now you know the rest of the story. This is Paul Harvey . . . Good day!”

THE STORY OF JESUS IS NOT OVER!

Now that the celebration of Christmas Day has once again come and gone, it’s important to remember that Christmas is not the end of the story! It’s not finished for Jesus who came the first time is coming again, and Christmas is not complete without the 2nd Coming of Jesus Christ. Celebrating His birth and not the fact that one day He’ll be crowned as King would be like trying to separate the heads and tails on a coin. The incarnation (God the Son becoming flesh) without the coronation would be like having an engagement without a marriage.

THE BEST IS YET TO COME!

I hope you and your family had a wonderful Christmas together this year. Our family certainly did! But, listen up my friend, the best is yet to come! The Heavenly Father has so much more in store for us when Jesus comes again! We get all wrapped up in the little baby in the manger, and indeed we should. And we go beyond the birth of the baby, saying, “Yes, He came to die for our sins”, and thank God He did! But I want to remind you that the first Coming of Jesus and the 2nd Coming are linked together. The Christmas Story in Luke 1 and 2 speak not only of the Jesus who came to redeem but the Jesus who will come one day soon to rule and reign.

Imagine for a moment what your life would be like without the Resurrection, the Rapture, and the 2nd Coming of Jesus. The most glorious fact of the past is that Jesus came the first time. The most glorious fact of the future is that Jesus is coming again. There are far more prophecies of His 2nd coming than there are of His first coming. Did you know the 2nd coming of Christ is mentioned 318 times in the New Testament? Our verse for today is one of the many promises of Christ’s return. The 2nd coming is the theme of the New Testament. One commentator states that one out of every four verses speak of Jesus coming again! WOW! Why is it mentioned so many times? I can think of three reasons:

#1. IT’S WHERE OUR HOPE SHOULD BE. 

The Apostle Paul said, “. . . If in this life only we have hope…we are of all men most  miserable” (I Corinthians 15:19). If your hope is in this world getting better, you have a misplaced hope. The Bible teaches this world is slowly sinking into sinful ruin and judgment. The one and only sure hope of anyone living in this jittery old world should be in the 2nd Coming of Jesus Christ.

#2. THE LORD WANTS YOU AND I TO BE READY!

The Apostle Paul said the Lord’s coming will be, “…as a  thief  in the night (I Thess. 5:2). That’s why Jesus, Himself, said, “Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh (Matt. 24:44). Are you ready today? If not, why not? If not, why not pray a prayer like this right now . . . 

Dear Jesus, I believe You came that first Christmas. I believe You lived a sinless life and died on the cross for my sins. I believe You arose the third day. I’m turning from my sinful past today and I’m asking you to forgive me me and come into my heart and be my Savior! Thank you Lord for saving me. In Jesus name, amen! 

A sincere prayer of faith like that from your heart can give you assurance that you are ready when He comes again. A heartfelt prayer like that can be the beginning of your new walk of faith with the Lord. But wait, there’s one more reason He reminds us so many times of His 2nd coming . . .

#3. WE ARE COMMANDED TO GO AND TELL OTHERS SO THEY CAN BE READY TOO

But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect . . . 1 Peter 3:15

Go and share with someone today! You have family and friends that need the Lord Jesus! Encourage them to turn to Him and trust Him today! I believe the Lord’s coming is very near! The signs of His coming are everywhere (see Matthew 24:3-14)! It’s just as Paul Harvey used to say…”And now you know the rest of the story!” 

Think it over . . .

Doug Pierce is a Church planter and a pastor. In 2003 he started, and continues to pastor First Independent Methodist Church in Madison, Mississippi. His #1 priority is to glorify God in all aspects of ministry. He does this through teaching his congregation to Love God, Love One Another, and Love Others to God. Prayer, outreach, and church growth through evangelism are vital parts of his ministry. He and his wife Suzanne live in Madison, Mississippi where they also enjoy their children and grandchildren. To find out more about Doug‘s ministry visit the FIMC Website.

Image by Wallpaper Safari