Heaven

Of all the promises in the Bible, the greatest is the assurance we have that Jesus is coming again. If you grew up in church, like I did, you probably heard this all your life. As surely as Jesus went to heaven, he will come back and take his followers to be with him in heaven forever.

This was the hope of New Testament Christians and is the hope of all believers today.

In John 14:2-3, Jesus said, " My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am."

I don't think it will be much longer before we see that blessed hope — when Jesus will return. Everything is lining up perfectly with the prophesies in the Old Testament.

In Zechariah 12:2-3, it says, "Behold, I will make Jerusalem a cup of trembling unto all the people round about^... And in that day will I make Jerusalem a burdensome stone for all people: all that burden themselves with it shall be cut in pieces."

When the prophet Zechariah spoke these words around 520 BC, Jerusalem lay in ruins. But God said it would become the focus of the world's attention. The world's attention is now focused on Jerusalem and Israel.

In Zechariah, it also says all nations will turn against Israel. We're seeing that happen every day. One day, the Bible predicts, Israel will have no allies, and all nations shall be gathered against her. The TV news shows you that we are on the road toward that battle. Even the U.S., which has been Israel's strongest ally for years, seems to be turning its back on Israel.

The timetable has been set, and the events are quickly playing out. It's just a matter of time now until we see Jesus return.

This great promise is comforting for all believers who desire "to be with the Lord forever." Therefore, let's encourage each other with these words: Jesus is coming soon.