Remember His Death, Await His Return Fixed

The meaning of the second coming for The meaning of the second coming for believers believers believers is twofold. is twofold. is twofold. He will give rest and relief from He will give rest and relief from He will give rest and relief from everything in this world that has caused everything in this world that has caused everything in this world that has caused us grief us grief us grief or depression or weariness. And second, or depression or weariness. And second, or depression or weariness. And second, even more, even more, even more, he will grant us to be filled with the he will grant us to be filled with the he will grant us to be filled with the joy of amazement joy of amazement joy of amazement as we look on him face to face in all as we look on him face to face in all as we look on him face to face in all his gracious glory. his gracious glory. his gracious glory. >> Have you ever thought about what it will >> Have you ever thought about what it will >> Have you ever thought about what it will actually feel like when all the grief actually feel like when all the grief actually feel like when all the grief [music] and weariness of this life are [music] and weariness of this life are [music] and weariness of this life are finally over? finally over? finally over? Scripture talks about that more Scripture talks about that more Scripture talks about that more concretely [music] concretely [music] concretely [music] than we sometimes realize. I'm your than we sometimes realize. I'm your than we sometimes realize. I'm your host, Dan Cruver. host, Dan Cruver. host, Dan Cruver. In this episode of Light and Truth, John In this episode of Light and Truth, John In this episode of Light and Truth, John Piper turns to 2 Thessalonians 1:3-10 Piper turns to 2 Thessalonians 1:3-10 Piper turns to 2 Thessalonians 1:3-10 to show that Christ's return will bring to show that Christ's return will bring to show that Christ's return will bring both deep relief to weary believers both deep relief to weary believers both deep relief to weary believers and everlasting amazement at his beauty and everlasting amazement at his beauty and everlasting amazement at his beauty and grace.

and grace. and grace. This message was [music] originally This message was [music] originally This message was [music] originally delivered at Bethlehem Baptist Church on delivered at Bethlehem Baptist Church on delivered at Bethlehem Baptist Church on October 12th, 1980. >> According to the writer to the Hebrews, >> According to the writer to the Hebrews, Christ has appeared Christ has appeared Christ has appeared once for all once for all once for all at the climax of the ages at the climax of the ages at the climax of the ages to put away sin by the sacrifice to put away sin by the sacrifice to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself. of himself. of himself. And just as it is appointed unto man And just as it is appointed unto man And just as it is appointed unto man once to die and after that the judgment, once to die and after that the judgment, once to die and after that the judgment, so also Christ, having offered up so also Christ, having offered up so also Christ, having offered up himself for sin once for all, will himself for sin once for all, will himself for sin once for all, will appear a second time appear a second time appear a second time not to deal with sin not to deal with sin not to deal with sin but to save all those who are eagerly but to save all those who are eagerly but to save all those who are eagerly waiting waiting waiting for him. for him. for him. Hebrews 9 Hebrews 9 Hebrews 9 26 to 28. 26 to 28. 26 to 28. The Son of God appeared once in history The Son of God appeared once in history The Son of God appeared once in history primarily to die for sins so that all primarily to die for sins so that all primarily to die for sins so that all those who trust in him those who trust in him those who trust in him might no longer perish but have the hope might no longer perish but have the hope might no longer perish but have the hope of new of new of new and eternal life. And then he's going to and eternal life. And then he's going to and eternal life. And then he's going to come another time come another time come another time at the end of the age, not to atone for at the end of the age, not to atone for at the end of the age, not to atone for sin and not sin and not sin and not to purchase redemption to purchase redemption to purchase redemption but rather to complete and perfect

but rather to complete and perfect but rather to complete and perfect the redemption he's begun. the redemption he's begun. the redemption he's begun. To complete our deliverance from all To complete our deliverance from all To complete our deliverance from all evil evil evil and all sin. and all sin. and all sin. And what I want to do this morning is to And what I want to do this morning is to And what I want to do this morning is to talk for just a few minutes about talk for just a few minutes about talk for just a few minutes about the second coming and its significance the second coming and its significance the second coming and its significance for believers for believers for believers and unbelievers alike before we and unbelievers alike before we and unbelievers alike before we celebrate the communion together and try celebrate the communion together and try celebrate the communion together and try to show how the two are related. to show how the two are related. to show how the two are related. When Jesus came the first time When Jesus came the first time When Jesus came the first time it was not his purpose to divide or it was not his purpose to divide or it was not his purpose to divide or condemn. condemn. condemn. His purpose was to reconcile and to save His purpose was to reconcile and to save His purpose was to reconcile and to save John told us in chapter 3. But inevitably But inevitably the division has happened, hasn't it? the division has happened, hasn't it? the division has happened, hasn't it? So that Jesus said So that Jesus said So that Jesus said do not think do not think do not think that I have come to bring peace on that I have come to bring peace on that I have come to bring peace on earth. I have not come to bring peace earth. I have not come to bring peace earth. I have not come to bring peace but a sword.

Father and son Father and son will be divided. will be divided. will be divided. A daughter against her mother, a A daughter against her mother, a A daughter against her mother, a daughter-in-law against her daughter-in-law against her daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law, mother-in-law, mother-in-law, and a man's foes will be those of his and a man's foes will be those of his and a man's foes will be those of his own household. own household. own household. And that's been the case ever since And that's been the case ever since And that's been the case ever since Jesus came. Jesus came. Jesus came. That division has happened wherever the That division has happened wherever the That division has happened wherever the gospel has been preached. gospel has been preached. gospel has been preached. And I think that that division And I think that that division And I think that that division is simply a picture and a warning of the is simply a picture and a warning of the is simply a picture and a warning of the final division that is going to happen final division that is going to happen final division that is going to happen at his second at his second at his second coming. coming. coming. The text of the morning is 2 The text of the morning is 2 The text of the morning is 2 Thessalonians chapter 1, and if you have Thessalonians chapter 1, and if you have Thessalonians chapter 1, and if you have a Bible, you might want to turn to that a Bible, you might want to turn to that a Bible, you might want to turn to that again again again and look at it in more detail with me. 2 and look at it in more detail with me. 2 and look at it in more detail with me. 2 Thessalonians Thessalonians Thessalonians chapter 1 verses 3 through 10. Here we chapter 1 verses 3 through 10. Here we chapter 1 verses 3 through 10. Here we have one of the fullest have one of the fullest have one of the fullest explanations or descriptions explanations or descriptions explanations or descriptions of what the second coming will mean for of what the second coming will mean for of what the second coming will mean for believers and unbelievers believers and unbelievers believers and unbelievers as anywhere in the New Testament.

as anywhere in the New Testament. as anywhere in the New Testament. When Paul wrote this second letter to When Paul wrote this second letter to When Paul wrote this second letter to the Thessalonians, he was writing to the Thessalonians, he was writing to the Thessalonians, he was writing to Christians Christians Christians who were being abused in various ways by who were being abused in various ways by who were being abused in various ways by unbelievers, and so he wants to unbelievers, and so he wants to unbelievers, and so he wants to encourage them. encourage them. encourage them. And the way he does it, first of all, in And the way he does it, first of all, in And the way he does it, first of all, in verse 5 is to remind them verse 5 is to remind them verse 5 is to remind them that their suffering that their suffering that their suffering is not a token of God's anger, is not a token of God's anger, is not a token of God's anger, but rather but rather but rather it's a sign of his loving justice it's a sign of his loving justice it's a sign of his loving justice because by it because by it because by it he is refining them so that they might he is refining them so that they might he is refining them so that they might be made worthy be made worthy be made worthy of the kingdom of the kingdom of the kingdom for which they're suffering. for which they're suffering. for which they're suffering. This is an evidence of the righteous This is an evidence of the righteous This is an evidence of the righteous judgment of God that you may be made judgment of God that you may be made judgment of God that you may be made worthy of the kingdom of God for which worthy of the kingdom of God for which worthy of the kingdom of God for which you are suffering. So, don't view your you are suffering. So, don't view your you are suffering. So, don't view your suffering and your persecutions as a suffering and your persecutions as a suffering and your persecutions as a token of God's disfavor. On the token of God's disfavor. On the token of God's disfavor. On the contrary, view it as what a loving contrary, view it as what a loving contrary, view it as what a loving father does in trying to prepare his father does in trying to prepare his father does in trying to prepare his children to fully enjoy the coming children to fully enjoy the coming children to fully enjoy the coming kingdom.

kingdom. kingdom. Then in verses six following, he goes on Then in verses six following, he goes on Then in verses six following, he goes on to assure them to assure them to assure them that the tables are going to be turned. that the tables are going to be turned. that the tables are going to be turned. Things will not go on the way they are. Things will not go on the way they are. Things will not go on the way they are. Your affliction will be turned into Your affliction will be turned into Your affliction will be turned into rest. rest. rest. And their And their And their disobedience disobedience disobedience will be turned into punishment, and that will be turned into punishment, and that will be turned into punishment, and that will happen at the coming of our Lord will happen at the coming of our Lord will happen at the coming of our Lord Jesus. Let's read it together. Jesus. Let's read it together. Jesus. Let's read it together. God deems it just to repay with God deems it just to repay with God deems it just to repay with affliction those who afflict you affliction those who afflict you affliction those who afflict you and to grant rest with us to you who are and to grant rest with us to you who are and to grant rest with us to you who are afflicted when the Lord Jesus is afflicted when the Lord Jesus is afflicted when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with his mighty revealed from heaven with his mighty revealed from heaven with his mighty angels in flaming fire inflicting angels in flaming fire inflicting angels in flaming fire inflicting vengeance upon those who do not know God vengeance upon those who do not know God vengeance upon those who do not know God and upon those who do not obey the and upon those who do not obey the and upon those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. gospel of our Lord Jesus. gospel of our Lord Jesus. They shall suffer the punishment of They shall suffer the punishment of They shall suffer the punishment of eternal destruction and exclusion from eternal destruction and exclusion from eternal destruction and exclusion from the presence of the Lord and from the the presence of the Lord and from the the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his might when he comes on that glory of his might when he comes on that glory of his might when he comes on that day to be glorified in his saints day to be glorified in his saints day to be glorified in his saints and to be marveled at in all who believe and to be marveled at in all who believe and to be marveled at in all who believe because our testimony to you because our testimony to you because our testimony to you was believed.

was believed. was believed. Here we can see perhaps more clearly Here we can see perhaps more clearly Here we can see perhaps more clearly than anywhere else in the New Testament than anywhere else in the New Testament than anywhere else in the New Testament what the second coming is going to mean what the second coming is going to mean what the second coming is going to mean for believer and unbeliever. Three for believer and unbeliever. Three for believer and unbeliever. Three observations sum up the significance of observations sum up the significance of observations sum up the significance of Christ's coming for the believer. Christ's coming for the believer. Christ's coming for the believer. First of all, First of all, First of all, Christ is going to be revealed Christ is going to be revealed Christ is going to be revealed with with with a host of mighty angels in flaming fire. a host of mighty angels in flaming fire. a host of mighty angels in flaming fire. The picture here surely is one of an The picture here surely is one of an The picture here surely is one of an irresistible irresistible irresistible heavenly army. The Lord of the universe heavenly army. The Lord of the universe heavenly army. The Lord of the universe returning to his world to settle returning to his world to settle returning to his world to settle accounts with the tenants of his earth accounts with the tenants of his earth accounts with the tenants of his earth as Jesus described it in the parable. as Jesus described it in the parable. as Jesus described it in the parable. There will be no escape, no recourse, no There will be no escape, no recourse, no There will be no escape, no recourse, no place to hide place to hide place to hide and above all, no possibility to and above all, no possibility to and above all, no possibility to withstand withstand withstand for the unbelievers. for the unbelievers. for the unbelievers. As Malachi described it and as As Malachi described it and as As Malachi described it and as George Friedrich Handel in the Messiah George Friedrich Handel in the Messiah George Friedrich Handel in the Messiah immortalized it, "Who can stand?

immortalized it, "Who can stand? immortalized it, "Who can stand? Who can endure the day of his coming? Who can endure the day of his coming? Who can endure the day of his coming? And who can stand when he appears? For And who can stand when he appears? For And who can stand when he appears? For he is like a refiner's fire." he is like a refiner's fire." he is like a refiner's fire." For the unbeliever then, the second For the unbeliever then, the second For the unbeliever then, the second coming will mean no defense and no coming will mean no defense and no coming will mean no defense and no escape. escape. escape. Secondly, Secondly, Secondly, the unbeliever will suffer the the unbeliever will suffer the the unbeliever will suffer the punishment of eternal destruction, verse punishment of eternal destruction, verse punishment of eternal destruction, verse 9. 9. 9. Or as verse 6 says, he will be repaid Or as verse 6 says, he will be repaid Or as verse 6 says, he will be repaid with affliction. Jesus had warned that with affliction. Jesus had warned that with affliction. Jesus had warned that it would be this way, didn't he? In the it would be this way, didn't he? In the it would be this way, didn't he? In the great parable of judgment in Matthew 25, great parable of judgment in Matthew 25, great parable of judgment in Matthew 25, in that last verse, verse 46, he said to in that last verse, verse 46, he said to in that last verse, verse 46, he said to those those those who had spurned the messengers of the who had spurned the messengers of the who had spurned the messengers of the gospel repeatedly, "They will go away gospel repeatedly, "They will go away gospel repeatedly, "They will go away into eternal punishment, but the into eternal punishment, but the into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life." The righteous into eternal life." The righteous into eternal life." The romantic notion romantic notion romantic notion that I have heard even this week in that I have heard even this week in that I have heard even this week in talking with people, talking with people, talking with people, that that that mercy will go on and on and on mercy will go on and on and on mercy will go on and on and on indefinitely to those who spurn the indefinitely to those who spurn the indefinitely to those who spurn the gospel and reject the offer of salvation is going to be shown is going to be shown to be sham at the second coming.

to be sham at the second coming. to be sham at the second coming. That romantic notion will be blown to That romantic notion will be blown to That romantic notion will be blown to smithereens smithereens smithereens at the second coming of our Lord Jesus. at the second coming of our Lord Jesus. at the second coming of our Lord Jesus. The meek and the lowly The meek and the lowly The meek and the lowly Jesus of Nazareth Jesus of Nazareth Jesus of Nazareth is going to come like the roaring lion is going to come like the roaring lion is going to come like the roaring lion of Judah and rend his foes. of Judah and rend his foes. of Judah and rend his foes. The Jesus who wept The Jesus who wept The Jesus who wept over the unbelief of Jerusalem over the unbelief of Jerusalem over the unbelief of Jerusalem and laid his life down and laid his life down and laid his life down for sinners for sinners for sinners is going to come is going to come is going to come and lay waste and lay waste and lay waste his enemies his enemies his enemies who have spurned eternal life. who have spurned eternal life. who have spurned eternal life. And the destruction will be eternal. And the destruction will be eternal. And the destruction will be eternal. Third, Third, Third, according to verse 9, unbelievers will according to verse 9, unbelievers will according to verse 9, unbelievers will be excluded be excluded be excluded from the presence from the presence from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his of the Lord and from the glory of his of the Lord and from the glory of his might. might. might. Now, of course, that's no great threat Now, of course, that's no great threat Now, of course, that's no great threat to an unbeliever. to an unbeliever. to an unbeliever. He's devoted his whole life to running He's devoted his whole life to running He's devoted his whole life to running away away away from the face of the Lord and from the from the face of the Lord and from the from the face of the Lord and from the glory of his might.

Picture two men Picture two men in a totalitarian regime. One of these men is a single man and one One of these men is a single man and one is married and has a is married and has a is married and has a a wife and three small children whom he a wife and three small children whom he a wife and three small children whom he loves with all his heart. loves with all his heart. loves with all his heart. There's a secret police in this There's a secret police in this There's a secret police in this land land land who has been instructed who has been instructed who has been instructed to take these two men to take these two men to take these two men and dispose of them and dispose of them and dispose of them in a camp in a camp in a camp far away far away far away with labor and torture. with labor and torture. with labor and torture. And so they do it. And so they do it. And so they do it. And they break into the apartment of the And they break into the apartment of the And they break into the apartment of the first man and drag him away. first man and drag him away. first man and drag him away. And he weeps And he weeps And he weeps as he imagines what the pain as he imagines what the pain as he imagines what the pain and what the emptiness of the next and what the emptiness of the next and what the emptiness of the next months may bring. months may bring. months may bring. And then they approach the apartment of And then they approach the apartment of And then they approach the apartment of the second man the second man the second man where he's at table with wife where he's at table with wife where he's at table with wife and with his children and with his children and with his children laughing.

laughing. laughing. And they break in the door and they And they break in the door and they And they break in the door and they clamp the cuffs on that man's hand and clamp the cuffs on that man's hand and clamp the cuffs on that man's hand and they tell him they tell him they tell him "You'll never see them again." and drag "You'll never see them again." and drag "You'll never see them again." and drag him out. him out. him out. And he weeps, too. And he weeps, too. And he weeps, too. But his imagination of the pain and the But his imagination of the pain and the But his imagination of the pain and the torture torture torture is utterly overwhelmed is utterly overwhelmed is utterly overwhelmed by the prospect of being alienated and by the prospect of being alienated and by the prospect of being alienated and never seeing again the face of that wife never seeing again the face of that wife never seeing again the face of that wife and the faces of those dear children. Paul is writing as a man who loves Jesus Paul is writing as a man who loves Jesus Christ more than any man in this room Christ more than any man in this room Christ more than any man in this room loves his wife loves his wife loves his wife and more than any woman in this room and more than any woman in this room and more than any woman in this room loves her husband. And that's the way we ought to love And that's the way we ought to love Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. So that the prospect So that the prospect So that the prospect of being put away of being put away of being put away from his face should be the most from his face should be the most from his face should be the most dreadful dreadful dreadful thought thought thought that we can imagine as it was for Paul.

that we can imagine as it was for Paul. that we can imagine as it was for Paul. And so in summary And so in summary And so in summary the second coming of Jesus Christ is the second coming of Jesus Christ is the second coming of Jesus Christ is going to mean for unbelievers a going to mean for unbelievers a going to mean for unbelievers a confrontation with an irresistible confrontation with an irresistible confrontation with an irresistible army who proved to be enemies. army who proved to be enemies. army who proved to be enemies. And second And second And second condemnation to eternal destruction. condemnation to eternal destruction. condemnation to eternal destruction. And third exclusion And third exclusion And third exclusion from the presence of the Lord and the from the presence of the Lord and the from the presence of the Lord and the glory of his might. glory of his might. glory of his might. But what now will it mean for believers But what now will it mean for believers But what now will it mean for believers according to this text? Those who are according to this text? Those who are according to this text? Those who are following after Christ in the obedience following after Christ in the obedience following after Christ in the obedience of faith. of faith. of faith. The text focuses on two things. First, The text focuses on two things. First, The text focuses on two things. First, rest rest rest and second, amazement. The word for rest The word for rest here here here in verse seven in verse seven in verse seven God will grant rest to you along with us God will grant rest to you along with us God will grant rest to you along with us when the Lord Jesus is revealed from when the Lord Jesus is revealed from when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with his mighty angels. heaven with his mighty angels. heaven with his mighty angels. The word for rest there means release or The word for rest there means release or The word for rest there means release or relief.

relief. relief. For example For example For example Paul said in 2 Corinthians 7:5 using Paul said in 2 Corinthians 7:5 using Paul said in 2 Corinthians 7:5 using this word when we came to Macedonia our this word when we came to Macedonia our this word when we came to Macedonia our bodies had no rest bodies had no rest bodies had no rest but we were afflicted in every way but we were afflicted in every way but we were afflicted in every way fighting without and fear within. But Jesus said But Jesus said come to me all you who labor come to me all you who labor come to me all you who labor and are heavy laden and are heavy laden and are heavy laden and I will give you and I will give you and I will give you rest. rest. rest. We have a foretaste We have a foretaste We have a foretaste of the comfort and the rest and the of the comfort and the rest and the of the comfort and the rest and the release from burden release from burden release from burden that is going to be ours fully that is going to be ours fully that is going to be ours fully at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. But while we are left in this earth But while we are left in this earth But while we are left in this earth there remains a race to run and a fight there remains a race to run and a fight there remains a race to run and a fight to fight. The fight against the flesh, to fight. The fight against the flesh, to fight. The fight against the flesh, the flesh which would always tempt us to the flesh which would always tempt us to the flesh which would always tempt us to put our hope in something we achieve or put our hope in something we achieve or put our hope in something we achieve or we have instead of putting our hope in we have instead of putting our hope in we have instead of putting our hope in the mercy of Jesus. And that is a fight the mercy of Jesus. And that is a fight the mercy of Jesus. And that is a fight to the end so that Paul said I have to the end so that Paul said I have to the end so that Paul said I have completed completed completed my course. I have finished the race. Now my course. I have finished the race. Now my course. I have finished the race. Now there is laid up for me a crown of there is laid up for me a crown of there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness.

righteousness. righteousness. The second coming though is going to The second coming though is going to The second coming though is going to mean the complete laying aside of every mean the complete laying aside of every mean the complete laying aside of every burden and every struggle. Everything burden and every struggle. Everything burden and every struggle. Everything physical and everything spiritual that physical and everything spiritual that physical and everything spiritual that has made life seem unlivable will be has made life seem unlivable will be has made life seem unlivable will be gone in the twinkling of an eye at the gone in the twinkling of an eye at the gone in the twinkling of an eye at the return of our Lord. return of our Lord. return of our Lord. Rest and release are basically negative Rest and release are basically negative Rest and release are basically negative ideas. They mean the absence of things ideas. They mean the absence of things ideas. They mean the absence of things wearisome or troublesome. But surely we wearisome or troublesome. But surely we wearisome or troublesome. But surely we ought not to think of the second coming ought not to think of the second coming ought not to think of the second coming of Jesus only in terms of what of Jesus only in terms of what of Jesus only in terms of what we're not going to experience. we're not going to experience. we're not going to experience. Paul here makes it very clear that he Paul here makes it very clear that he Paul here makes it very clear that he foresees something tremendously positive foresees something tremendously positive foresees something tremendously positive that we are going to experience, namely that we are going to experience, namely that we are going to experience, namely verse 10. Christ is coming to be glorified in his Christ is coming to be glorified in his saints saints saints and to be marveled at and to be marveled at and to be marveled at by all who have believed.

by all who have believed. by all who have believed. One of the most exhilarating experiences One of the most exhilarating experiences One of the most exhilarating experiences in life in life in life is to see a wonder or a marvel that is is to see a wonder or a marvel that is is to see a wonder or a marvel that is so so so beautiful and astonishing that we are beautiful and astonishing that we are beautiful and astonishing that we are utterly amazed and speechless before utterly amazed and speechless before utterly amazed and speechless before beauty. beauty. beauty. And that's the way it's going to be when And that's the way it's going to be when And that's the way it's going to be when Jesus Christ is revealed from heaven in Jesus Christ is revealed from heaven in Jesus Christ is revealed from heaven in all his glory. all his glory. all his glory. Listen to this little parable from Listen to this little parable from Listen to this little parable from Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. The kingdom of heaven The kingdom of heaven The kingdom of heaven shall be compared shall be compared shall be compared to 10 maidens to 10 maidens to 10 maidens who took their lamps and went to meet who took their lamps and went to meet who took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. the bridegroom. the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish and five were Five of them were foolish and five were Five of them were foolish and five were wise. wise. wise. For when the foolish took their lamps, For when the foolish took their lamps, For when the foolish took their lamps, they took no oil with them. they took no oil with them. they took no oil with them. But the wise took flasks of oil with But the wise took flasks of oil with But the wise took flasks of oil with their lamps. their lamps. their lamps. As the bridegroom delayed As the bridegroom delayed As the bridegroom delayed as he has delayed, hasn't he? as he has delayed, hasn't he? as he has delayed, hasn't he? They all went to sleep and slept.

They all went to sleep and slept. They all went to sleep and slept. But at midnight there was a cry, But at midnight there was a cry, But at midnight there was a cry, "Behold, the bridegroom, come out to "Behold, the bridegroom, come out to "Behold, the bridegroom, come out to meet him." meet him." meet him." And so we will. The dead in Christ shall And so we will. The dead in Christ shall And so we will. The dead in Christ shall rise first, Paul said, and then we who rise first, Paul said, and then we who rise first, Paul said, and then we who are alive, who are left, shall be caught are alive, who are left, shall be caught are alive, who are left, shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to up together with them in the clouds to up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we meet the Lord in the air, and so we meet the Lord in the air, and so we shall forever be with the Lord. Like shall forever be with the Lord. Like shall forever be with the Lord. Like five young, excited maidens just woken five young, excited maidens just woken five young, excited maidens just woken awake out of sleep with wonder and awe awake out of sleep with wonder and awe awake out of sleep with wonder and awe spilling over in their hearts. They dart spilling over in their hearts. They dart spilling over in their hearts. They dart out to meet the bridegroom and do out to meet the bridegroom and do out to meet the bridegroom and do cartwheels before him as he comes back cartwheels before him as he comes back cartwheels before him as he comes back into his kingdom. into his kingdom. into his kingdom. You remember the day Do you remember seeing on one side of Do you remember seeing on one side of the deck that wife who had waited six the deck that wife who had waited six the deck that wife who had waited six years? years? years? Well, she didn't know if he was alive or Well, she didn't know if he was alive or Well, she didn't know if he was alive or dead. dead. dead. And as he walked out on the other side And as he walked out on the other side And as he walked out on the other side and started across that deck, and started across that deck, and started across that deck, behold, behold, behold, the bridegroom comes. Come out to meet the bridegroom comes. Come out to meet the bridegroom comes. Come out to meet him. And she did.

him. And she did. him. And she did. And the whole world watched that And the whole world watched that And the whole world watched that embrace. Most of us probably with tears. That's the way it's going to be That's the way it's going to be for those who love his appearing. for those who love his appearing. for those who love his appearing. Paul said, Paul said, Paul said, "Henceforth, there is laid up for me "Henceforth, there is laid up for me "Henceforth, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, the crown of righteousness, the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, which the Lord, the righteous judge, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award me will award me will award me on that day. And not only to me, on that day. And not only to me, on that day. And not only to me, but to all those but to all those but to all those who loved who loved who loved his appearing." his appearing." his appearing." If we love Jesus, If we love Jesus, If we love Jesus, we're going to love his appearing. Do you Do you Do you love the prospect of the coming Do you love the prospect of the coming Do you love the prospect of the coming of the Lord Jesus as much as that wife of the Lord Jesus as much as that wife of the Lord Jesus as much as that wife loved loved loved the appearance of her husband out of the appearance of her husband out of the appearance of her husband out of that door that door that door after six years of separation?

after six years of separation? after six years of separation? If you don't, If you don't, If you don't, pray. pray. pray. Pray earnestly Pray earnestly Pray earnestly that that that Christ might reveal himself to you in Christ might reveal himself to you in Christ might reveal himself to you in his word his word his word so that you can see him for who he is so that you can see him for who he is so that you can see him for who he is and love him with all your heart because and love him with all your heart because and love him with all your heart because you will love his appearing. you will love his appearing. you will love his appearing. If you love him, If you love him, If you love him, there is nothing that anybody in this there is nothing that anybody in this there is nothing that anybody in this room room room is planning for this afternoon or next is planning for this afternoon or next is planning for this afternoon or next year or 10 years from now year or 10 years from now year or 10 years from now that is anywhere near that is anywhere near that is anywhere near comparing comparing comparing worth comparing worth comparing worth comparing with the coming of Jesus Christ. with the coming of Jesus Christ. with the coming of Jesus Christ. So, in sum, So, in sum, So, in sum, the meaning of the second coming for the meaning of the second coming for the meaning of the second coming for believers believers believers is twofold. is twofold. is twofold. He will give rest and relief from He will give rest and relief from He will give rest and relief from everything in this world that has caused everything in this world that has caused everything in this world that has caused us grief us grief us grief or depression or weariness. And second, or depression or weariness. And second, or depression or weariness. And second, even more, even more, even more, he will grant us to be filled with the he will grant us to be filled with the he will grant us to be filled with the joy of amazement joy of amazement joy of amazement as we look on him face-to-face in all as we look on him face-to-face in all as we look on him face-to-face in all his gracious glory.

his gracious glory. his gracious glory. Now, what does that have to do with this Now, what does that have to do with this Now, what does that have to do with this meal that we're about to partake of? meal that we're about to partake of? meal that we're about to partake of? Let's go back Let's go back Let's go back and create a story in the P.O.W. camp. There are 12 men in the concentration There are 12 men in the concentration camp in North Vietnam. camp in North Vietnam. camp in North Vietnam. Americans Americans Americans huddled together in one hut. huddled together in one hut. huddled together in one hut. They've been there for 6 years. By some strange By some strange turn of affairs, they've been able to be turn of affairs, they've been able to be turn of affairs, they've been able to be in touch with the American troops. in touch with the American troops. in touch with the American troops. And they've been instructed that if they And they've been instructed that if they And they've been instructed that if they could be at a certain point at midnight could be at a certain point at midnight could be at a certain point at midnight on a certain night, a helicopter could on a certain night, a helicopter could on a certain night, a helicopter could dash in and pick them up. dash in and pick them up. dash in and pick them up. And so they planned. And so they planned. And so they planned. And what they planned And what they planned And what they planned is somehow to explode a hole in this is somehow to explode a hole in this is somehow to explode a hole in this fence and get out. fence and get out. fence and get out. And they are able to get a hold And they are able to get a hold And they are able to get a hold of a timed detonating device of a timed detonating device of a timed detonating device which when it's set will explode in 24 which when it's set will explode in 24 which when it's set will explode in 24 hours.

hours. hours. Now in front of this fence there are Now in front of this fence there are Now in front of this fence there are coils of barbed wire coils of barbed wire coils of barbed wire and then a small space. and then a small space. and then a small space. You've got to get over the barbed wire You've got to get over the barbed wire You've got to get over the barbed wire to plant the device under the fence to plant the device under the fence to plant the device under the fence because it won't move it if it's in because it won't move it if it's in because it won't move it if it's in front of it. front of it. front of it. One of the men volunteers, the only one One of the men volunteers, the only one One of the men volunteers, the only one who has no children. who has no children. who has no children. He's going to plant the device. He's going to plant the device. He's going to plant the device. They're going to set it the night before They're going to set it the night before They're going to set it the night before so that they can be ready on the second so that they can be ready on the second so that they can be ready on the second to go when it blows. to go when it blows. to go when it blows. So the night before he gets a running So the night before he gets a running So the night before he gets a running start and makes it over the coil start and makes it over the coil start and makes it over the coil of wire of wire of wire and plants the device under the fence. and plants the device under the fence. and plants the device under the fence. But he cannot get back over the wire. He But he cannot get back over the wire. He But he cannot get back over the wire. He can't get a running start. can't get a running start. can't get a running start. So he crawls quietly as he can along the So he crawls quietly as he can along the So he crawls quietly as he can along the edge of the fence looking for an edge of the fence looking for an edge of the fence looking for an opening. opening. opening. And he's spotted and shot to death. And he's spotted and shot to death. And he's spotted and shot to death. And the guards come over and they find And the guards come over and they find And the guards come over and they find what hut he's from.

what hut he's from. what hut he's from. And they laugh and pick him up and throw And they laugh and pick him up and throw And they laugh and pick him up and throw him at the door of this hut as a lesson him at the door of this hut as a lesson him at the door of this hut as a lesson to the other 11 lest they try anything to the other 11 lest they try anything to the other 11 lest they try anything so stupid. so stupid. so stupid. When the guards leave the 11 open the When the guards leave the 11 open the When the guards leave the 11 open the door and drag him in door and drag him in door and drag him in and dig a small shallow grave and bury and dig a small shallow grave and bury and dig a small shallow grave and bury him in the ground. him in the ground. him in the ground. And then they have a little memorial And then they have a little memorial And then they have a little memorial service for him service for him service for him while his blood is still fresh on the while his blood is still fresh on the while his blood is still fresh on the ground and his rent flesh is still ground and his rent flesh is still ground and his rent flesh is still visible in their eyes. visible in their eyes. visible in their eyes. And as they cry And as they cry And as they cry and think about his death, and think about his death, and think about his death, something very strange happens. something very strange happens. something very strange happens. Mingled with that grief and that Mingled with that grief and that Mingled with that grief and that recollection of what has just happened, recollection of what has just happened, recollection of what has just happened, horrible as it was, horrible as it was, horrible as it was, hope hope hope and expectation and expectation and expectation start to arise in their hearts because start to arise in their hearts because start to arise in their hearts because they know this was no ordinary death. they know this was no ordinary death. they know this was no ordinary death. Through this death, a hole is going to Through this death, a hole is going to Through this death, a hole is going to be exploded in that prison, and freedom be exploded in that prison, and freedom be exploded in that prison, and freedom and release and reunion with those they and release and reunion with those they and release and reunion with those they love are on the way. And that's what love are on the way. And that's what love are on the way. And that's what this meal means this meal means this meal means primarily. This was no ordinary death primarily. This was no ordinary death primarily. This was no ordinary death that we commemorate, was it?

that we commemorate, was it? that we commemorate, was it? The death of Jesus Christ was the The death of Jesus Christ was the The death of Jesus Christ was the explosion explosion explosion that is going to open the way that is going to open the way that is going to open the way for the second coming. >> Thank you for listening to this episode >> Thank you for listening to this episode of Light and Truth. As you know, we are of Light and Truth. As you know, we are of Light and Truth. As you know, we are [music] committed to providing [music] committed to providing [music] committed to providing God-centered preaching to help you see God-centered preaching to help you see God-centered preaching to help you see Christ clearly and treasure him truly. Christ clearly and treasure him truly. Christ clearly and treasure him truly. I'm your host, Dan Cruver. I'm your host, Dan Cruver. I'm your host, Dan Cruver. On our next episode, John Piper begins a On our next episode, John Piper begins a On our next episode, John Piper begins a 15-part series titled Born from Above. I 15-part series titled Born from Above. I 15-part series titled Born from Above. I hope you'll [music] join us. hope you'll [music] join us. hope you'll [music] join us. For more resources, visit For more resources, visit For more resources, visit desiringgod.org. desiringgod.org. desiringgod.org. [music]