Scripture Verses
John 14:28-31 (NIV)
28You heard me say, “I am going away and I am coming back to you.” If you loved me, you would be glad that I am going to the Father, for the Father is greater than I. 29I have told you now before it happens, so that when it does happen you will believe. 30I will not speak with you much longer, for the prince of this world is coming. He has no hold on me, 31but the world must learn that I love the Father and that I do exactly what my Father has commanded me. Come now; let us leave.
Devotion
One of the regular features of the church that I attended in my childhood was an emphasis on Bible prophecy concerning the end times. Special speakers used a variety of charts in an attempt to explain the symbols found in the book of Revelation concerning the future, especially the return of Christ.
Later in life, I came to understand that such excitement about the end times, such rapture about the “rapture,” was hardly unique to that congregation. Many churches and many believers have been and are fascinated by the future that is ours in Christ. This is quite understandable. Our faith in Christ finds its fulfillment in the future, especially when Christ returns (Matthew 23:30-31; Mark 13:26-27: Luke 21:27-28; Acts 1:11).
This event—the return of Christ—is often called the Second Coming, and will be the climax of history. The word “second” differentiates the appearance that Christ will make at the end of time from the earlier appearance that he made through the Incarnation.
But when Jesus told his followers in the upper room that “I am going away and I am coming back to you” (John 14:28), he was not talking about his return at the end of time. Instead, he was describing his imminent return to them through the Holy Spirit (see John 14:16,18,20; 16:16; Acts 2:1-4). Jesus would not only return at some undisclosed time in the future (John 5:28-29; 14:2-3), but he would be present with his followers through the Holy Spirit until that time comes. According to John’s gospel, the coming of the Holy Spirit is the “second” coming of Jesus. The return of Christ at the end of history represents a “third” coming.
John makes this distinction between these “comings” of Jesus for an important reason. After his death, resurrection, and ascension, Jesus would no longer be present with his followers through the Incarnation. Instead, he would be present within them through the Holy Spirit!
Prayer
Gracious God, thank you for the gift of your indwelling presence in my life through the Holy Spirit. Fill me afresh and anew today in order that I might serve your purpose and bring you glory. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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