The Second Time

“Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen” (1 Timothy 1:17).

What a glorious description of Christ this is. But what a contrast to His first appearing. The King came first as a Servant; the Eternal God entered time; the Immortal God took on flesh so He could die as our Substitute. The Invisible God “appeared” so that we could see the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. The only wise God came as a Babe, “born” that we might, through faith in Him, be born again.

He received no honor from men. He endured humiliation, slander, and shame, to finally be crucified between two thieves as a criminal - while in the very act of saving the world. And after He arose, He lovingly comforted and explained His mission to two men, saying, “Ought not Christ to have suffered these things, and to enter into His glory?”

That “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners” will remain the wonder of all time and eternity.  We are reminded that “for the joy set before Him, He endured the cross.” And the same is true for us now. The joy of seeing others saved is sharing His work and “being about His business.” And those who suffer for His name’s sake, shall share His glory. His promise is near… “He will appear the second time” not to deal with sin, to finalize our salvation (Hebrews 9:28).

Keep watching. Our King is coming!

(Devotional by Lisa Cataford)