Ever considered what the Bible has to say about second time? Do you realize Jesus is the conqueror? Ever contemplated the difference and the tone of how things went the second time? Are you ready and getting prepared for when Jesus comes back the second time? Consider even the description of Jesus on His first and His upcoming second coming to the world.
The Gentle Lamb: Conqueror by Emulating Humility and Love
In His first coming, Jesus entered the world as the gentle Lamb of God, fulfilling the prophecies of the Old Testament. Isaiah 53:7 describes Him as being led like a lamb to the slaughter, demonstrating His humility and sacrificial love. During His time on Earth, Jesus exhibited characteristics of compassion, mercy, and forgiveness, teaching His followers to love one another and to seek peace. As dads, we are called to emulate the temperament of the Lamb, demonstrating humility, love, and compassion in our interactions with our families and communities. Just as Jesus humbly served others, we should strive to lead our families with selflessness and grace, nurturing them with the same tenderness and care as the Good Shepherd.
The Conquering Lion: Standing Firm in Authority and Truth
However, the Bible also foretells of Jesus’s second coming, where He will return not as the gentle Lamb but as the conquering Lion of Judah. Revelation 5:5 portrays Jesus as the Lion who has triumphed, symbolizing His authority, power, and sovereignty over all creation. His return will be marked by judgment and justice, as He establishes His kingdom and reigns as King of kings and Lord of lords. As dads, we must prepare ourselves and our families for this momentous event by aligning our lives with the teachings of Christ, living in obedience to His commands, and eagerly anticipating His glorious return. Just as the Lion represents strength and authority, we should lead our families with courage and conviction, standing firm in our faith and boldly proclaiming the truth of the Gospel to a world in need of redemption.
Conqueror by being Ready and Waiting: Preparing Our Hearts for His Return
As we await the second coming of Jesus, let us heed His words in Matthew 24:44,
"So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him."
As dads, we have a responsibility to spiritually lead and prepare our families for the imminent return of Christ. This involves cultivating a deep and personal relationship with Jesus, teaching our children the principles of faith and righteousness, and living as faithful stewards of God’s blessings. Let us prioritize prayer, study of Scripture, and fellowship with other believers, seeking to grow in our faith and knowledge of God as we eagerly anticipate the day when we will be reunited with our Savior. May we live each day with the awareness of Christ’s imminent return, striving to live holy and blameless lives that honor and glorify Him in all that we do.
Anticipation and Readiness: Embracing the Dual Nature of Christ’s Coming
In conclusion, as dads, let us reflect on the dual nature of Jesus’s comings – as the gentle Lamb and the conquering Lion. Just as He came humbly the first time, we must prepare ourselves and our families for His triumphant return as King. Let us emulate the humility and sacrificial love of the Lamb while also embracing the strength and authority of the Lion. May we lead our families with grace, courage, and unwavering faith, knowing that our ultimate victory is assured through Christ who conquered sin and death. As we eagerly await His return, let us live each day with anticipation and readiness, fulfilling our role as faithful stewards and ambassadors of His kingdom. Amen.
Today’s Devotional:
This year, I am utilizing the 365 Daily Devotions book I received for Christmas, applying its teachings specifically in the context of fatherhood. It’s called WALKING WITH GOD by DAVID JEREMIAH. It’s exciting to learn from a new resource this year as we have tried different options the past two years and will keep working through this for 2024. For more information about the author and his ministry, visit DavidJeremiah.org.
Topic: FROM LAMB TO LION
Verse: Revelation 22:20 (NIV)
He who testifies to these things says, “Yes, I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.
Let’s be the dads who are trusting God at His Word. So, as we come out of the power of the resurrection Sunday, let’s be prepared for His return. Let’s be the dads who are anticipating the return of Jesus as the Lion of Judah.
Today’s Devotional kicks off speaking of when Jesus first came to the Earth. He came as the Lamb of God, coming to pay the price for the sins of the world through His sacrifice on the cross and conquering the power of sin and death through the resurrection. It goes on to speak of His return as the Lion of Judah bringing judgment.
Today’s Devotional points us to the reality that “the Bible references the Second Coming of Jesus outnumbers references to the first coming by a ratio of 8:1”. It shares how “scholars count 1845 biblical references to the Second Coming.” It continues that it is the second top topic to faith.
Let’s be the dads who are “anticipating His second coming as ardently as we celebrate the baby in the manger.” Let’s be the dads who know that the “final victory and the eternal reign of Jesus are in our future.” Today, let’s decide to live our lives in expectation of His return and ready and preparing for that day! Let’s be the dads who choose today to radiate the love of Jesus in our marriages, our families, and our world by “showing sincere interest in their lives, not wasting a minute, and sharing the hope that is within us.”
“As the bells ring out the joys of Christmas, may we also be alert for the final trumpet that will announce His return, when we shall always be with Him.”
ALAN REDPATH
