Luke 21:27

THE COMING OF THE SON OF MAN

‘Then shall they see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.’

Luke 21:27

The coming of Christ.

I. A real living Person. is coming. People think that religion is obeying certain rules and attending many services. But Christianity is faith in a living Person, the Lord Jesus Christ, and believers commit themselves to Him.

II. He comes to us now.—In His Word, by His ministers and stewards. At the Second Advent He will

III. Come to judge.—Think, then, of our responsibility. At the Last Day Christ will judge us. Will our life, as we are now living it, bear the judgment of Christ?

IV. Can we face Christ?—Is there any part of our life that He would have to condemn? Remember that God hates sin. But He loves us. Therefore Christ’s Second Advent need not be a terror to any but those who persist in their wickedness. Submit to His judgment now, when He comes, not to condemn, but to save. Then, when the Great Day comes, you will be accepted for His sake.

—Rev. the Hon. James Adderley.

Illustration

‘Then, that is after the troubles of those days are over. Great trouble, and fear, and misery, our Lord tells us, will precede His coming. Great persecutions will be inflicted upon Christ’s people. The strong will persecute the weak—the world will persecute the Church. It will be a time of trial to the faith of all Christians—of fear and trouble and perplexity—“men’s hearts failing them for fear and for looking after those things which are coming upon the earth.” All this shall draw to a close. Either the persecution and the suffering will reach its climax and then come to an end, or the Second Advent shall break in upon it and interrupt it in the midst of its horrors.’

(SECOND OUTLINE)

NEGLECT NOT PROPHECY

There are three things to notice:—

I. The signs of the coming of the Son of Man (Luke 21:25). We know the value of signs in ordinary matters. By observation we can foretell what the weather will be (Matthew 16:2). So of the coming seasons (Luke 21:29). In the same manner God would have us watch for Christ’s coming (Luke 21:31). The future belongs to God alone (Acts 1:7; Deuteronomy 29:29; Isaiah 48:3); but He reveals coming events, and shows signs of them (see Luke 21:8; Luke 21:20). By these we should know the times (1 Chronicles 12:32; Romans 13:11).

II. The blessings of the coming of the Son of Man (Luke 21:27). It is true that, as the Son of Man, He shall come for judgment (John 5:27); but to His people He shall bring redemption (Romans 8:23; Php_3:20-21). We read here that He shall come ‘ with power.’ This will be a blessing for His own (Psalms 110:2; 2 Corinthians 13:4; Romans 1:4; Revelation 11:15). We read also that He shall appear with ‘ great glory.’ It is for this glory that we wait (2 Thessalonians 1:10; Romans 8:18).

III. The certainty of the coming of the Son of Man (Luke 21:32). What a blessed thing to know that these matters are not doubtful (Psalms 119:89; John 10:35). They have had a partial accomplishment with regard to Jerusalem (Luke 21:20; Luke 21:24). This makes the Word sure to us (2 Peter 1:19). But notice the words of Jesus (Luke 21:33. See Isaiah 54:10; Jeremiah 33:20).

You may say, ‘This is prophecy, and too hard for me’; but think what prophecy is (Revelation 19:10). Think what God says of it (2 Peter 1:19; 1 Thessalonians 5:20). Think how the Jews suffered for neglecting it (Nehemiah 9:30). Let us receive it in faith (Luke 24:25); and so watch for our redemption drawing nigh.

Bishop Rowley Hill.

Illustration

‘What was it that largely kept up the courage of the garrison in Lucknow, and gave them strength to endure the horrors of that siege? It was the knowledge that Havelock and his men were hastening to bring them relief. We are not yet in the critical condition of a besieged city, but we are in the midst of enemies, powerful and numerous and very subtle. We are often tempted to surrender to the forces of darkness in times of weakness and discouragement. To know that reinforcements are on the way will put fresh courage into the stoutest-hearted soldiers. And this we do know, albeit the conflict thickens and faith is low, that “Christ is coming back again.” ’