by, Isam Itson III
From time to time we see celebrations in the street when someone who is guilty of a shockingly violent crime, abuse of power, or violation of the public trust, actually held accountable by a court of law. I breathe a sigh of relief when someone does not “get away with it” because of their wealth, social status, or inept law enforcement. Those moments remind me that justice is meant to prevail.
Revelation 19:11-16 – Then I saw heaven opened, and there was a white horse. Its rider is called Faithful and True, and with justice he judges and makes war. 12 His eyes were like a fiery flame, and many crowns were on his head. He had a name written that no one knows except himself. 13 He wore a robe dipped in blood, and his name is called the Word of God. 14 The armies that were in heaven followed him on white horses, wearing pure white linen. 15 A sharp sword came from his mouth, so that he might strike the nations with it. He will rule them with an iron rod. He will also trample the winepress of the fierce anger of God, the Almighty. 16 And he has a name written on his robe and on his thigh: King of Kings and Lord of Lords.
The Second Coming of Jesus Christ will be the final one of “those” moments. The return of Jesus Christ will bring an end to the influence of kings, merchants, and world systems dedicated to protecting their own security and prosperity at the expense of the poor and powerless. The Second Coming of Jesus Christ will bring an end to oppression, injustice, poverty, and exploitation in every realm of human society and within every ethnic group and nation on earth. Every human government, corporation, and seat of power will bow to the overarching authority of Jesus Christ.
At the return of Jesus Christ we will no longer live as enemies and strangers. We will experience life in this world as God intended. Unlike Adam and Eve who doubted God’s goodness, we will trust the loyal and faithful love of God our Father and King. Unlike Cain, who hated God and murdered his brother, we will honor our God given role as our brother’s keeper and never cause each other harm. We will spend our lives seeking the best for others in submission to God, as our highest goal.
Unlike the people of Noah’s day who filled the earth with violence, followers of Jesus Christ will fill the earth with love, integrity, and generosity. And unlike the people of Babel who fearfully built walls to keep strangers out, we will fearlessly reach across national and social boundaries embracing strangers as our brothers.
In Christ we look forward to a time where all of the spiritual and earthly powers committed to their own prestige and honor will finally be overthrown. Jesus Christ will return and usher in. a period of peace and prosperity dedicated to honoring the infinite depth of God’s love for all people and all creation, to the glory of God the Father.
Until the day that Christ returns the people who follow Jesus are called to live in light of God’s love and and to honor God’s love for others, no matter what it costs us. Just like Jesus did when he came to earth the first time and sacrificed his life to save our life. When Christ returns to the earth to rule and reign, we know that God will take care of the people who refuse to regard the well being of their fellow human beings. This is what it means to live in light of God’s supreme glory now and forever.
In response
1. How can you honor God’s love for the people around you when they fail to honor God’s love for you?
2. How do you work for the good of the weak, poor, and vulnerable without giving in to feelings of anger and jealousy when you see people abusing their influence, wealth, and positions of power at the expense of the weak, poor, and vulnerable?
