A sequel is typically a book or film that continues the story of some previous work. Last year was the year of movie sequels. According to Newsweek Magazine, in 2011, Hollywood released a record 27 sequels. The total encompasses the highest number of part 2 (or 3 or 4 or . . .) films ever, including new versions of Mission: Impossible and Pirates of the Caribbean. There were five fifth sequels, two seventh sequels, and the eighth Harry Potter movie.
In the opening verses of Luke’s sequel to his gospel account (the book of Acts), two white-robed men (angels) announced a coming sequel—the return of Jesus. Luke recorded the description of Jesus’ ascension, which anticipated His return. With these words, the apostles were assured that one day the same physical Savior will return to earth.
How will Jesus return? In a cloud, bodily, in view of all people as He descends on the Mount of Olives (Zechariah 14:4). He will return in the same way the apostles saw Him ascend.
When will Jesus return? He told the apostles that they shouldn’t speculate about when He’ll return. Empowered by the Holy Spirit to be His witnesses to the world, they were to tell others of his life, death, and resurrection (Acts 1:6-8).
As followers of Jesus, we believe that there is going to be a sequel: Jesus will return to earth one day. We don’t know when that will take place, nor should we set dates. We have more important work to do: By the power of the Holy Spirit, let’s boldly tell all people about the saving power of Jesus.
One day God is going to complete the story of salvation with Jesus’ return, but until He does we can share the life-giving words of His story.
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: 1 Kings 1:28-53
More:
Read Matthew 24:3-14, 29-51 and 1 Thessalonians 5:4 to gain some details of Jesus’ return.
Next:
What are some things that cause you to speculate about Jesus’ return? What should we be doing while we’re waiting for His sequel to take place?
tom felten on April 12, 2012 at 9:31 am
Thanks for these biblical insights, Marvin. It’s encouraging to consider Jesus’ imminent return and convicting to realize that we are His ambassadors to those who still do not believer (2 Corinthians 5:20)! I’ll be looking for “divine appointments” today.
kram4mark on April 12, 2012 at 10:22 am
The Bible says that even Christ does not know the day or the hour of His return only God the Father knows and thats good enough for me:) But I still cant wait for that glorious day!Matthew 24:36
daisymarygoldr on April 12, 2012 at 9:37 pm
What should we be doing while we’re waiting for His sequel to take place? As we boldly tell all people about the saving power of Jesus, we need to live holy lives. The only evidence we have a saving faith in Jesus Christ is a holy life without which we cannot see Him (Hebrews 12:14)
The Apostle John says that anyone who continues to live in Him will not sin (1 John 3:5). The first time Jesus came to take away our sins. And He will come again, to bring salvation (i.e. to complete the story of salvation) to all who are eagerly waiting for Him (Hebrews 9:28).
Not knowing the exact date and time helps us to be ready for Jesus’ return, every day. Daily consciousness of His return will prompt godly living and purify our motives in all that we do for Him.
Many will be caught unawares to see Jesus coming in the clouds. They will mourn for Him because of their sins and the coming judgment. Since we know there is a sequel, do you see how important it is for us to live “holy and godly lives” (2 Peter 3:11)?