The Second Coming

One of my all-time favorite Bob Dylan songs is “When He Returns”.

It comes from his 1979 album, Slow Train Coming, the first he released after becoming a follower of Jesus.

Beyond the beautiful piano and heartfelt delivery in Dylan’s gravely voice, the song’s lyrics are what do it for me.

It’s a striking ballad about the central hope that keeps us going as Christians…

The Second Coming of Jesus Christ.

The Ascension of Jesus

The Bible tells us about Jesus’ miraculous Resurrection three days after His death.

This is the pinnacle moment of history, the moment where the oppression of sin no longer had the final say.

But what after that?

Well, Jesus spent 40 days with His apostles and, then, in Acts 1:7-9, this happens…

7 [Jesus] said to them: “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

9 After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight. 

The Second Coming

Jesus directed His disciples to wait to receive His Spirit and, once that was done, they were to go into the world to spread His message. All this was in preparation for a time when Jesus would come back down from Heaven and return to Earth.

This “Second Coming” is mentioned in several other parts of Scripture.

For starters, moments after Jesus ascended, angels appeared to the disciples, telling them that: “This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.” (Acts 1:11)

From here on, the Second Coming is further discussed in the writings of Paul, the book of Hebrews, and, most famously, the book of Revelation.

And, of course, Jesus Himself spoke of it:

2 My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? 3 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. (John 14:2-3)

So it’s all made quite clear - Jesus is literally going to come back.

And what’s that going to be like?

Come back tomorrow as we discuss that very topic.

In the meantime, fill your ears with John Mark McMillan and Victory’s beautiful cover of this Dylan masterpiece.

For now, be blessed.

Jon,

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