The Swift Return of the King: Eagerly Awaiting Jesus' Glorious Arrival in 202

The Swift Return of the King

As we enter the year 2023, it is fitting to reflect on the swift return of the King. Just as the King in our story returned to his kingdom after a long journey, we too anticipate the return of our King, Jesus Christ. His return will be swift and glorious, and it is a topic that should captivate our hearts and minds.

An Unexpected Observation

Imagine the King's surprise as he walks among his people and realizes that he is not at the center of their attention. Although they consult his precious book and attempt to follow his wise precepts, their focus is not on his imminent return. The people continue with their lives, seemingly content with the status quo.

Do we find ourselves in a similar position? Do we go through the motions of our faith, following the teachings of Jesus, yet failing to eagerly anticipate his return? Are we living as if his swift return is just a distant possibility?

Waiting with Expectation

The psalmist in Psalm 130 captures the essence of waiting for the Lord's return with great anticipation. He writes, "I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in his word I hope; my soul waits for the Lord more than watchmen for the morning, more than watchmen for the morning" (Psalm 130:5–6).

Just as a watchman diligently waits for the morning, longing for the darkness to dissipate, we should eagerly await the return of our King. Our waiting should not be passive or disinterested but filled with hope and expectation. We should be like watchmen on the walls, eagerly scanning the horizon for the first glimpse of dawn.

The Urgency of the Hour

Why is it important for us to actively await the swift return of the King? The urgency lies in the fact that his return will bring about the fulfillment of God's kingdom on earth. We long for the day when every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord (Philippians 2:10–11).

Jesus himself spoke about the urgency of his return in Matthew 24:42, saying, "Therefore, stay awake, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming." We are called to be watchful and ready, for his return could happen at any moment.

Living with Purpose

Understanding the imminent return of our King should profoundly impact how we live our lives in the present. It should drive us to live with purpose, seeking to fulfill God's will and advance his kingdom here on earth.

As we await the swift return of the King, we are called to be faithful stewards of the talents and resources he has entrusted to us (Matthew 25:14–30). We are to use our gifts to serve others and share the good news of salvation with a world in desperate need of hope.

Relevance in 2023 and Beyond

While the anticipation of the swift return of the King is timeless, it is particularly relevant in the year 2023 and beyond. In a world filled with uncertainty and turmoil, the hope of Christ's return offers us a firm foundation and a confident expectation.

Just as the King's return brought joy and restoration to his kingdom, Jesus' return will bring ultimate redemption and restoration to all of creation. This truth is not limited to a specific time or era; it is a promise that extends to every generation.

Embracing the Promise

So how do we embrace the promise of the swift return of the King in the year 2023 and beyond? First and foremost, we must cultivate a heart of expectancy. We should long for his return, yearning for the day when we will be united with him forever.

Secondly, we must live in a manner that reflects our belief in his imminent return. This means living lives of holiness, righteousness, and love. We are called to be a light in the darkness, shining the truth of the gospel to a world in desperate need of salvation.

Engaging the World

As we eagerly await the swift return of the King, we have a responsibility to engage the world around us. We are called to be ambassadors of Christ, sharing his love and truth with those who have not yet experienced his saving grace.

Just as the King in our story desired to be sought after and missed by his people, Jesus desires a deep, personal relationship with each one of us. He longs for us to seek him, to cry out to him, and to eagerly anticipate his return.

Scriptural Foundation

The promise of the swift return of the King is not a new concept. Throughout the Bible, we find numerous references to this glorious event. Let us explore a few of these passages:

• Revelation 22:12: "Behold, I am coming soon, bringing my recompense with me, to repay each one for what he has done."


• 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17: "For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord."


• Matthew 24:30-31: "Then will appear in heaven the sign of the Son of Man, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. And he will send out his angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other."

These passages and many others remind us of the certainty and grandeur of the King's return. Let us hold fast to these promises and eagerly await the swift return of our King.

In Conclusion

As we enter the year 2023 and beyond, let us fix our gaze on the swift return of the King. May we eagerly anticipate his coming and live with a sense of urgency, purpose, and expectancy.

Just as the King in our story desired to be sought after and missed by his people, Jesus desires a deep, personal relationship with each one of us. Let us not merely go through the motions of our faith, but let us actively await the return of our King, knowing that his arrival will bring about the fulfillment of God's kingdom on earth.

May we be like watchmen on the walls, eagerly scanning the horizon for the first glimpse of dawn. Let us live with the hope and expectation that our King is coming soon, and let us engage the world with the love and truth of the gospel until that glorious day arrives.