The Coming of the Son of Man

BY Ellen Wildman

I love to be prepared. Maybe you too like to write out long to-do lists each morning, or you meal prep so that you don’t have to think about lunch during the busy weekdays, or you spend hours rehearsing for a big meeting, speech, or concert. We prepare for both the big and the little things in life to put ourselves at ease, to gain clarity, and to move through our days with a greater sense of peace. And by understanding today’s passages, we can become more prepared for the glorious return of Jesus Christ.

Luke writes that the Son of Man will come “with power and great glory” (Luke 21:27). I don’t know about you, but glory can feel like an elusive concept to me. It’s something my soul craves but I don’t experience in my day-to-day life. Glory is magnificence, great beauty, high renown, or honor. 

Upon reflection, I can pinpoint moments in my life that fill me with a sense of smallness, reminders that there is something greater than just myself. A sunrise hike in Mykonos, cliff jumping in Tennessee, gazing up at redwood trees in California. I’m overwhelmed with awe when I realize that these magnificent things and moments are just a glimpse of His glory. And as I feel that amazement bloom within me, I can only imagine how that will be multiplied infinitely when Jesus returns for His people. His great glory, His mighty power, will be displayed for all to see. We will be awestruck and moved to praise like never before. I can’t wait.

It’s interesting to note here that Jesus’s glory-filled return will be something like His ascension—He will come to us physically and in a cloud (Acts 1:11).  He will return, dwelling among us, and He will reign over a kingdom that will never be destroyed. Doesn’t that fill your heart with a wondrous anticipation? As we reflect on our reading for today may we feel at peace knowing that Jesus will return to us again. Our preparations and perseverance are important while we wait for this magnificent event. In the meantime, we are strengthened in knowing He is with us always (Matthew 28:20). May we look for His glory on display today while we wait for Him to come again.