He'll Be Back

Today's Reading: John 14:1-3

You know, there are lots of debates in the Christian world about just what will happen at the end times. Lots of us have our opinions, traditions, and beliefs. Lots of us disagree on all the details of how it will play out.

I do think it is important for us to study what scripture teaches on the end times and to ask God to illuminate as much of that for us as He is ready to do at this time. There is one thing though that can be easily overlooked in all our discussions and debates about how we particularly think it will play out...and that is Jesus' promise in John 14. He says,

Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.

When my children were small and I left them with a sitter, they often asked me if I was coming back to get them. My daughter especially wanted that reassurance. It was only after I had assured her several times that I would be back for her that she was content to let me go. Upon returning to collect my kids, I often found my daughter watching and waiting at the door as the time for my arrival came near. And when she saw my face, she lit up with a smile and would run to tackle me!

I imagine the apostles felt the same way. Jesus was trying to prepare them for what was going to happen in the coming days and weeks by encouraging them to not be troubled and to continue to trust God and trust Him.  Yes, He had to go away for a little while. But He's coming back! 


Unlike my assurances for my daughter, Jesus isn't able to give us a timetable for when He will return. But since He is far more reliable than we are as humans, we can know beyond any doubt that He is in fact coming to take us home. The question is will He find us watching for His return? Or will He find us debating over how it will happen?


I don't know when He will come again or how it will all unfold. But I do plan to be eagerly watching for His appearance, ready to run to Him at the first glimpse of His face.

- Holly Barrett