Jump Start # 3727

Hebrews 9:28 “So Christ also, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time for salvation without reference to sin, to those who eagerly await Him.”

Note: Tomorrow is a holiday. There will be no Jump Starts posted.

Most are very familiar with Hebrews 9:27, the verse previous to ours today. “It is appointed for men to die once and after this comes judgment.” Now, in our verse today, there is an appearing of Christ a second time. Not to die for sins. Not to be the sacrifice. That already happened. Now for salvation to those who eagerly await Him.

Putting these two verses together, 27 and 28, we have a coming judgment and a coming Christ. And, added to the end of our verse is the reaction of the faithful. They are not scared. They are not dreading this. They are eagerly awaiting the Lord.

We have had a series of grandkids in and out our house these past few days. It’s been fun. We’ve played games, ate like hogs, opened presents and just had a blast. We have been anticipating this for weeks. Presents have been wrapped. Cookies made. House cleaned. And, as one wave left, another came in. Very busy, with smiles, hugs and a lot of noise. It all happened so fast. And, as the last group left to head back to their homes, we cleaned up, sat down and it was all very quiet. There was a lot of prep getting ready and  time seemed to go so fast while they were here.

I recognize for some, the holidays can be very stressful. Some families just have a difficult time being together. It is easier to love them from a distance. The holidays can be sad for some. Things are just not the same anymore. Someone is missing this year. There has been a death and there is an emptiness that fills the home. Sometimes the holidays hurt. God understands.

Our verse today reminds us of the eagerness that stirs within the hearts of the Lord’s disciples that are awaiting His return. Biblically, we know the Lord is coming. He’s promised that and He always keeps His promises. But why the eagerness?

Here are some thoughts:

First, there comes both a nervousness as well as an anticipation when something good and new happens. Many a bride and groom approach their wedding day like that. They are excited and have been working on plans for months, but as that actual day approaches, there is some nervousness.

Starting a new job can be like that. A person is looking forward to better working conditions, benefits, but there is some nervousness that comes along with that. New people. You will be the new kid on the block. Will it all work out?

And, for us spiritually, there is a similarity with the coming of the Lord. There is that excitement and joy of being with the Lord, but some nervousness because everything will be different. All we have ever known is this place. Everyday we eat. Everyday we busy ourselves with things to do and places to go. Everyday we tire by evening and are ready to go to bed at night. Sunrise and sunset. That’s the way it’s been not just for us, but for everyone who has walked on this planet.

Those who have passed through that door of death have not sent messages back. We have no pictures of what the other side of death looks like beyond a few word images in our Bibles. We are excited, but a bit nervous.

Second, we know, love and trust the Lord, so that gives us the assurance to travel down new and unknown roads in life. That young couple with a new baby, new and unknown roads for them, but with the help of the  Scriptures, they’ll be fine. Facing that door of death, new, and unknown roads for all of us. But, with the help of Scriptures we will be fine. And, with the coming of the Lord, the same is true. Peter tells us that the heavens will burn up and the elements will melt. That can be frightening. There has never been anything like that. But, with the help of Scriptures we will be fine. Even in the context of Peter’s words, we find, “we are looking for new heavens and a new earth” and “looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God.” So, it’s not a dread like facing something unpleasant. The day of surgery comes and you need the surgery, but you don’t look forward to pain.

Knowing and trusting the Lord makes all the difference.

Third, I expect once all these things happen, all the labor, effort, troubles that we have endured will seem like nothing. We’ll hardly even mention them. Some of us have had a very easy journey with the Lord. Growing up in godly families, the choices were easy. Surrounded by wonderful believers, we’ve had help and encouragement all along the way. For others, it’s been hard. Rejected by family. Friends turned against them. Ridiculed. Persecuted. They have journeyed on with the Lord. They have longed to get out of this place and be with the Lord. And, once that happens, all will be fine.

Anticipation. Eagerly awaiting. Children will be doing that this evening as they look forward to a day of presents and fun. We do that as we look forward to the coming Jesus.

Roger