Eagerly Awaiting Jesus: Finding Joy While We Long for His Appearing

2 Timothy 4:8

“Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for His appearing.”

We are not blameless beings on our own. The blood of Jesus covers us with His righteousness. When we get to Heaven God will give us a crown of righteousness if we long for His appearance. This might be referring to Him appearing in our lives daily. It may be referring to us longing for His appearing with His final coming.

If we get a crown, then simply “longing for Jesus” is precious, holy, and treasured by the Lord. “Longing for Christ to appear” shows we are not putting hope in the world, money, or success. It’s not evil if we have those things. But we’re not upset if Christ comes and disrupts our lives. We long for it.

Hebrews 9:28 “So Christ, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to deal with sin but to save those who are eagerly waiting for Him.”

I remember when I was a kid I would eagerly wait for Christmas. The whole season was magical, but I counted the days until Christmas morning. However, it was the season that was enchanting; the music, the lights, reflecting on the nativity story, and the anticipation of Christmas morning. I would get so excited buying people gifts and eager to open mine!

Some of us are so caught up in Jesus coming back that we forget to enjoy the season of anticipation. That is life. Life is a gift and while we, “long for His appearing” we should also remember that;

“This is the day the LORD has made; We will rejoice and be glad in it.” Psalm 118:24

It’s okay for us to enjoy this season here on Earth. It’s important to. When someone falls in love and gets engaged they’re full of excitement as they get ready for the big day. We can be excited as we spiritually prepare for the big day: The Day He Returns.

What does a fiancé do in the days leading up to the wedding? They plan the wedding and they grow closer to their fiancé emotionally. What’s the point of a wedding if you’re not in a close relationship with your fiancé and excited to spend your life with them?!

We can argue over pre, mid, or no-rapture. We can be “preppers” and store away food and water in case of disasters. But what did Jesus tell His disciples to do to prepare for His coming? He said to feed His sheep and to be in relationship with Him. That’s pretty simple. The scripture doesn’t say to prepare physically but spiritually. 

There’s no indication that the disciples were hauling around food as preppers for the tribulation or storing away weapons to protect themselves from tyrannical governments. We know historically and from the Bible, they lived through famines, wars, and tyrannical governments.

God was their source. God provided. They faced prison and persecution. They “counted it joy” as Jesus told them to and they changed the world.

Can we count it joy if the same trials face us? If we can, I believe we too, can change the world around us. The darker things get the brighter the light shines.

Let us continue to, “long for His appearing” whether that be His appearing in our daily lives by having a personal walk with Him, hearing His voice, interacting with Him, or longing for His appearing in the final coming. Either way, longing for Him is considered precious and “crown-worthy.” That’s how much He wants a relationship with us.  

Matthew 5:11-12

“Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”

Colossians 3:1-4

“Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.  Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.  For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory.”