Your King Comes in Glory and Its Significance

Second Sunday of Advent

First Edition

Gospel Luke 21:25–33 (34–36) Your King Comes in Glory

Jesus said:

“There will be signs in the sun, moon, and stars, the waves of the sea roaring and roaring, and on the earth nations will be in anguish and perplexity. Everyone will faint from fear and expectation of what is coming upon mankind, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. Then they will see the Son of Man coming on a cloud with power and great glory. When these things begin to happen, then lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.”

He also told them a parable:

“Look at the fig tree, or at any tree. When you see it putting forth leaves, you know for sure that summer is now near. In the same way, when you see these things happening, you know that the kingdom of God is near. Truly, this generation will not pass away until all these things happen. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.”

(“Be on your guard so that you will not be weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and the worries of this life, and that day will come upon you like a trap. No one on earth will escape it. Stay alert and pray for strength so that you may be able to escape all these things that are going to happen, and to stand before the Son of Man.”) (Luke 21:25–33 (34–36) First Edition)

A Deeply Penetrating Theme

The Second Sunday of Advent gives us deep thoughts about the second coming of Jesus. In Luke 21, Jesus mentions various events, such as storms, wars, and tribulation, that are associated with this great time. This raises many questions: What does Jesus’ return mean for us today?

Jesus’ Words and Signs

Jesus compares future events to a fig tree. When the tree puts forth leaves, it is a sign that summer is approaching (Luke 21:29-31). In the same way, when certain signs begin to appear, we know that God’s plans are close to being realized. For example, when we look at the world today, we can see signs of war and social unrest that may indicate that we are living in the times that Jesus spoke of.

Over the past decade, there have been increasing conflicts. Crises have escalated, and wars have caused millions of refugees to flee their homelands. This social uncertainty can affect us and raise questions about whether the world we live in is the one Jesus foretold.

Israel and the Fig Tree

The fig tree has often been associated with the nation of Israel, and the idea of a new Israel that was born in 1948 continues to stir debate. This offers insight into the possibility that Bible prophecies may yet be fulfilled. Statistics show that Israel’s population has grown to over 9 million, strengthening the country and its people. In Jesus’ day, a generation disappeared, but it did not return. This raises the question: what does the new generation mean today, and how does it look for signs of what is to come?

Prophecies and Our Times

Many believers are calculating when Jesus will return, and many believe that the time will come soon. However, Jesus pointed out that no one knows that date—not the angels, not even himself, but only the Father. This is why we must be warned to be careful in our estimates. It is worrying that past end-of-the-world predictions have often proven to be wrong. This raises the question: how can we build solid faith on fear alone?

The Bible’s Message and Its Interpretation

The interpretation of the Bible is important, and we should remember that it is not a tool for fear, but is full of wisdom. God’s grace through Jesus is a central theme. Many passages in the Bible remind us of God’s love, which can turn into an expectation of joy and peace. For example, Eph. 2:8-9 says: “For by grace you have been saved, through faith; and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God.” In this case, the expectation of Jesus’ return is not fear but fresh hope.

Waiting and preparation

What do we really expect from Jesus’ return? It is about preparation and being alert. This does not mean just fearing the end times, but living out our faith. For example, we can feed the poor or help our neighbors—this reflects God’s love. Waiting also means spiritual growth. We can read the Bible, pray, and participate in church life. These actions help us prepare for Jesus’ return.

Reality and timeliness

The prophecies of the Bible and the events of our time may seem similar. There is war, epidemics, and uncertainty in the world, which makes us anxious. But it is important to remember that previous generations have experienced similar things. They waited for God’s kingdom and Jesus’ return with equal commitment. Jesus’ words encourage us to follow the signs, but we are not alone. Over the years, believers have found refuge in Jesus, no matter how difficult the world has been.

Final Reflection

As we look at our time, we can see that the return of Jesus and the expectation of His coming are still the foundation of faith. The signs Jesus spoke of are still relevant. The most important thing is to live out our faith and focus on God’s love. Fear of the future must not be our guide. Instead, we must find peace in God’s plans. When our hearts are open, we can see God at work in our lives and in the world around us. Your King will come in glory. Are our hearts ready? This is a question that everyone should ponder today.