SECOND COMING OF YESHUA

PART 2

ANTICIPATING THE SECOND COMING OF YESHUA

HOW SHOULD WE LIVE WHILE WE AWAIT THE SECOND COMING OF YESHUA?

WE MUST BE PREPARING OURSELVES SO WE WILL BE READY FOR THE SECOND COMING OF YESHUA.

Later, Yeshua sat on the slopes of the Mount of Olives. His disciples came to him privately and asked, “When will all this take place? And will there be any sign ahead of time to signal your return and the end of the world?” (Matthew 24:3) Yeshua was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the very place where the prophet Zechariah had predicted that our Moshiach would stand when he came to establish his kingdom (Zechariah 14:4). It was a fitting place for the disciples to ask Yeshua when he would come in power and what they could expect then. Yeshua’ reply emphasized the events that would take place before the end of the age. He pointed out that his disciples should be less concerned with knowing the exact date and more concerned with being prepared-living YHVH’s way consistently so that no matter when Yeshua came in glory, he would claim them as his own.

WE SHOULD BE AWARE OF THE SIGNS OF THE SECOND COMING, BUT REALIZE THAT THESE SIGNS ARE EASILY MISREAD.

The disciples asked Yeshua for the sign of his coming and of the end of the age. Yeshua’ first response was “Don’t let anyone mislead you.” The fact is that whenever we look for signs, we become very susceptible to being deceived. There are many “false prophets” (24:11-24) around with counterfeit signs of spiritual power and authority. The only sure way to keep from being deceived is to focus on Moshiach and his words. Don’t look for special signs, and don’t spend time looking at other people. Look at Moshiach.

WE ARE TO CONTINUE TO DO THE IMPORTANT WORK THAT NEEDS TO BE COMPLETED BEFORE YESHUA RETURNS.

Yeshua said that before he returns, the gospel of the kingdom (the message of salvation) would be preached throughout the world. This was the disciples’ mission -- and it is ours today. Yeshua talked about the end times and final judgment to show his followers the urgency of spreading the Good News of salvation to everyone.

WE CAN BE SURE THAT YESHUA’ RETURN WILL BE UNIVERSALLY UNMISTAKABLE.

In times of persecution even strong believers will find it difficult to be loyal. To keep from being deceived by false christs, we must understand that Yeshua’ return will be unmistakable (Mark 13:26); no one will doubt that it is he. If you have to be told that the Moshiach has come, then he hasn’t (24:27). Moshiach’s coming will be obvious to everyone.

WE KEEP WORKING, REALIZING THAT WE DON’T KNOW EXACTLY WHEN YESHUA WILL RETURN.

If we knew the precise date, we might be tempted to be lazy in our work for Moshiach. Worse yet, we might plan to keep sinning and then turn to YHVH right at the end. Heaven is not our only goal; we have work to do here. And we must keep on doing it until death or until we see the unmistakable return of our Saviour.

WE REMAIN PREPARED, REALIZING THAT EACH DAY IS THE POSSIBLE DAY OF YESHUA’ RETURN.

Knowing that Moshiach’s return will be sudden and unexpected should motivate us always to be prepared. We are not to live irresponsibly-sitting and waiting, doing nothing; seeking self-serving pleasure; using his tarrying as an excuse not to do YHVH’s work of building his kingdom; developing a false security based on precise calculations of events; or letting our curiosity about the end times divert us from doing YHVH’s work.

WE ARE TO KEEP BUSY BECAUSE NEITHER YESHUA’ DELAY NOR HIS IMMINENT ARRIVAL SHOULD BE AN EXCUSE FOR IDLENESS.

Dear brothers and sisters, we give you this command with the authority of our Adonai Yeshua Moshiach: Stay away from any believer who lives in idleness and doesn’t follow the tradition of hard work we gave you. (2 Thessalonians 3:6) Some people in the Thessalonian church were falsely teaching that because Moshiach would return any day, people should set aside their responsibilities, quit work, do no future planning, and just wait for our Saviour. But their lack of activity only led them into sin. They became a burden to the church, which was supporting them, and they wasted time that could have been used for helping others. These church members may have thought that they were being more spiritual by not working, but Paul told them to be responsible and get back to work. Being ready for Moshiach means obeying him in every area of life. Because we know that Moshiach is coming, we must live in such a way that our faith and our daily practice will please him when he arrives.

EXPERIENCING THE SECOND COMING OF YESHUA

WHAT WILL HAPPEN AT THE SECOND COMING OF YESHUA?

YESHUA’ SECOND COMING WILL HAVE A DIFFERENT PURPOSE THAN HIS FIRST COMING.

All who reject me and my message will be judged at the day of judgment by the truth I have spoken. (John 12:48) The purpose of Yeshua’ first mission on earth was not to judge people, but to show them the way to find salvation and eternal life. When he comes again, one of his main purposes will be to judge people for how they lived on earth. Moshiach’s words that we would not accept and obey will condemn us. On the Day of judgment, those who accepted Yeshua and lived his way will be raised to eternal life (1 Corinthians 15:51-57; 1 Thessalonians 4:15-18; Revelation 21:1-8), and those who rejected Yeshua and lived any way they pleased will face eternal punishment (Revelation 20:11-15). Decide now which side you’ll be on, for the consequences of your decision will last forever.

AT YESHUA’ SECOND COMING, WE WILL BE WITH HIM FOREVER.

There are many rooms in my Father’s home, and I am going to prepare a place for you. If this were not so, I would tell you plainly. When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am. (John 14:2-3) There are few verses in Scripture that describe eternal life, but these few verses are rich with promises. Here Yeshua says, “I am going to prepare a place for you,” and “I will come and get you.” We can look forward to eternal life because Yeshua has promised it to all who believe in him. Although the details of eternity are unknown, we need not fear because Yeshua is preparing for us to spend eternity with him.

AT YESHUA’ SECOND COMING, WE WILL FULLY EXPERIENCE THE REALITY OF OUR SALVATION.

Now you have every spiritual gift you need as you eagerly wait for the return of our Adonai Yeshua Moshiach. He will keep you strong right up to the end, and he will keep you free from all blame on the great day when our Adonai Yeshua Moshiach returns. (1 Corinthians 1:7-8) Paul guaranteed the Corinthian believers that YHVH would consider them “free from all blame” when Moshiach returns (see Ephesians 1:7-10). This guarantee was not because of their great gifts or their shining performance, but because of what Yeshua Moshiach accomplished for them through his death and resurrection. All who have faith in Elohiym Yeshua as their personal Saviour will be saved and considered blameless when Yeshua Moshiach returns (see also 1 Thessalonians 3:13; Hebrews 9:28). If you have faith in Moshiach, even if it is weak, you are and will be saved.

YESHUA’ SECOND COMING WILL INCLUDE THE RESURRECTION OF BELIEVERS WHO HAVE DIED.

Brothers and sisters, I want you to know what will happen to believers who have died so you will not be full of sorrow like people who have no hope. For since we believe that Yeshua died and was raised to life again, we also believe that when Yeshua comes, YHVH will bring back with Yeshua all believers who have died. (1 Thessalonians 4:13-14) The Thessalonians were wondering why many of their fellow believers had died and what would happen to them when Moshiach returned. Paul wanted the Thessalonians to understand that death is not the end of the story. When Moshiach returns, all believers-dead and alive-will be reunited, never to suffer or die again.

YESHUA’ SECOND COMING WILL SIGNAL VICTORY.

Because Yeshua Moshiach came back to life, so will all believers. All believers, including those living when Moshiach returns, will live with Moshiach forever. Therefore, we need not despair when loved ones die or world events take a tragic turn. YHVH will turn our tragedies to triumphs, our poverty to riches, our pain to glory, and our defeat to victory. All believers throughout history will stand reunited in YHVH’s presence, safe and secure. As Paul comforted the Thessalonians with the promise of the resurrection, so we should comfort and reassure each other with this great hope.

SECOND COMING OF OUR MOSHIACH

PART 1

TERMS USED

Our Moshiach’s second coming is described by verbs such as “come,” “descend,” “appear,” and “is revealed” with our Moshiach as the subject. For example, “I will come again” (John 14:3), “Our Moshiach Himself will descend” (1 Thessalonians 4:16), “when he appears” (1 John 2:28; 1 John 3:2), “the day when the Son of Man is revealed” (Luke 17:30), and “when King Yeshua is revealed from heaven” (2 Thessalonians 1:7). It is also described by a variety of nouns, principally by “coming,” but also by “appearing” (2 Timothy 4:8; Titus 2:13), “revealing,” or “revelation” (1 Corinthians 1:7). These different verbs and nouns point to the same event but highlight different aspects of it, especially the manifestation of YHVH’s glory in our Moshiach when he comes. The time of this event is repeatedly referred to as “the Day” (Romans 13:12; 1 Corinthians 3:13; Hebrews 10:25), “the day of Moshiach” (Philippians 1:10; Philippians 2:16), “the day of Adonai” (1 Thessalonians 5:2; 2 Thessalonians 2:2), “the day of King Yeshua” (1 Corinthians 5:5; 2 Corinthians 1:14), “the day of Yeshua Moshiach” (Philippians 1:6), and “the day of our Saviour Yeshua Moshiach” (1 Corinthians 1:8). When such expressions are used, there is often some reference to the judgment that will happen when Moshiach returns. His day is “the day of judgment” (1 John 4:17) or “the day of wrath” (Romans 2:5). However, for the people of YHVH, it is the “day of redemption” (Ephesians 4:30).

THE PROCLAMATION OF THE NEW TESTAMENT

In many parts of the New Testament, the writers describe how the second coming of our Moshiach was an essential element in the preaching of the gospel during the apostolic age. The origin of the Second Coming is found in the teachings of Yeshua before his death. Speaking of himself as the Son of Man, Yeshua said: “The day when the Son of Man is revealed” (Luke 17:30) he will come “in clouds with great power and glory” (Mark 13:26). This language is derived from the Old Testament, especially from Daniel’s vision in which “one like a son of man” is brought “with the clouds of heaven” to receive everlasting dominion from the Ancient of Days (Daniel 7:13-14). In the Old Testament, a cloud or clouds regularly represented the divine presence of YHVH (Exodus 40:34; 1 Kings 8:10-11). The mention of clouds in connection with the Son of Man indicates that the glory of YHVH will be with him when he returns. Yeshua’ last reference to his second coming came at his trial before the Jewish authorities when the high priest asked him whether or not Yeshua was “the Moshiach, the Son of the Blessed.” Yeshua replied, “I am; and you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of Power, and coming with the clouds of heaven” (Mark 14:61-62). After the Gospels, the rest of the New Testament also describes how Yeshua’ second coming will eventually take place. The book of Acts begins with the angels’ assurance after Yeshua’ Ascension that “this Yeshua, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven” (Acts 1:11). The apostles’ messages in the book of Acts also make repeated references to Yeshua as “the one ordained by YHVH to be judge of the living and the dead” (Acts 10:42; Acts 17:31). Writing to his converts in Thessalonica a few weeks after they first heard and believed the gospel, the apostle Paul reminds them how they had “turned to YHVH from idols, to serve a living and true YHVH, and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, Yeshua who delivers us from the wrath to come” (1 Thessalonians 1:9-10). In this passage, Yeshua’ expected deliverance of his people from end-time judgment is put on the same plane as his historical resurrection. The believer’s way of life involves both serving YHVH and waiting for Moshiach’s return. This idea of waiting for Moshiach is repeated several times in this short letter. A few years later Paul uses similar language when writing to his converts in Corinth (Acts 18:1-18): “You are not lacking in any spiritual gift, as you wait for the revealing of our King Yeshua Moshiach” (1 Corinthians 1:7). And in what may have been his last letter he speaks of “the crown of righteousness” that Adonai will award him “on that Day, and not only to me,” he adds, “but also to all who have loved his appearing” (2 Timothy 4:8). To love Yeshua’ appearing and to wait for him are two different ways of expressing the same attitude. The writer to the Hebrews encourages his readers with the assurance that in a little while “the coming one shall come and shall not tarry” (Hebrews 10:37). James says, “the coming of our Adonai is at hand” (James 5:8). Peter speaks of the time “when the chief Shepherd is manifested” (1 Peter 5:4). The Revelation to John ends with the risen Saviour’s promise, “Surely I am coming soon,” and the church’s response, “Amen. Come, Adonai Yeshua!” (Revelation 22:20).

THE SECOND COMING AND THE RESURRECTION

In 1 Thessalonians, which was written about twenty years after the death and resurrection of Moshiach, his coming again is presented to encourage people whose faith filled believing friends had died. Paul had been compelled to leave Thessalonica before he had time to give his converts there as much teaching as they required. When some of the members of the church there died after his departure, their friends wondered if they would suffer some serious disadvantage at the Second Coming, in contrast to those who would still be alive to greet the returning Adonai. No, says Paul, “those who have fallen asleep” will suffer no disadvantage. On the contrary, the first thing to happen when “Adonai himself will descend from heaven” is that “the dead in our Moshiach will rise.” After that, the people who are alive during Moshiach’s return will join them and be forever “with our Saviour” (1 Thessalonians 4:15-17). More information on the subject is given in 1 Corinthians, which was written about five years later. In this book, the resurrection of believers is the full harvest that was inaugurated by the resurrection of Moshiach: “Moshiach the first fruits, then at his coming those who belong to Moshiach” (1 Corinthians 15:23). In addition, not only will each believer who has died be raised in a “spiritual body” (1 Corinthians 15:44) but also those who are still alive will be “changed” and they will have bodies suitable for eternal life. For dead and living believers alike, Paul proclaimed that “as we have borne the image of the man of dust, we shall also bear the image of the man of heaven” (1 Corinthians 15:49). To the same effect, Paul writes in Philippians 3:20-21 that from heaven “we await a Saviour, Adonai Yeshua Moshiach, who will change our lowly body to be like his glorious body.” A deeper unveiling of what this will involve is made in Romans 8:18-23, where the resurrection of the people who believe in Yeshua causes the liberation and glorious renewal of all creation.

THE SECOND COMING AND JUDGMENT

The association of judgment with the Second Coming comes from Yeshua’ teaching in the Gospels. This idea is also echoed in the New Testament epistles. Paul, in particular, put the subject on a personal level. He did not allow people to judge fellow believers: “Do not pronounce judgment before the time, before Adonai comes” (1 Corinthians 4:5). Adonai will conduct an investigation that will bring to light the hidden motives of the heart. Paul knew that even his own work would be assessed on “the day of Moshiach” (Philippians 2:16; 1 Thessalonians 2:19). In other books, Paul urges his converts to bear in mind that they, with himself, must appear before the divine tribunal, which is called “the judgment seat of YHVH” (Romans 14:10-12), “the judgment seat of Moshiach” (2 Corinthians 5:10). It seems clear that this judgment is to take place at the second coming of Moshiach, who will then “judge the living and the dead” (2 Timothy 4:1). Because Paul was writing to believers, he tended to concentrate on the judgment or assessment that the believers would experience when Moshiach returned. However, he also made it plain that Moshiach’s coming would bring judgment to those who opposed the believer’s faith (2 Thessalonians 1:6-10). This is made very clear in Acts 17:31, where Paul told the Athenians that YHVH “has fixed a day on which he will judge the world in righteousness by a man whom he has appointed.

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"And thou, Yahweh, God of hosts, God of Israel, awake to visit all the heathen, have not compassion on any that transgress maliciously. Selah."

Ps 59

When does breaking secular laws not contravene Torah?

When our children were born we were still living in the UK. We couldn't spank them as the UK laws do not permit corporal punishment. So for our own safety we decided to go along the route of a "time-out pad". (Thinking back, the pad worked just as effective when I recall the amount of tears and screaming involved when it was used.)

We then moved back to South Africa and was able to spank them and out came the wooden spoon. Same amount of tears and screaming followed, but we were then allowed to spank our children.

I do believe that the strict upbringing did develop the best in them as their peers in the UK didn't all turn out very respectful. So punishment for bad behaviour had a good outcome.

So, if we didn't have the opportunity to raise our kids this way, would it have been permitted according to the Bible to still use the rod even when the secular laws are against it?

#spanking #rod #secularlaws

Thought for Today: Tuesday May 06

Frequently people say to me, “YHVH answered my prayer!” Usually, they mean Elohiym granted them whatever they had requested, either for themselves or for others. YHVH always answers the prayers of His followers – but His answer is not always yes. Sometimes it is no or wait – and they are answers just as much as yes. Think of Paul, pleading to YHVH to remove his thorn in the flesh, but YHVH’s answer was no (2 Corinthians 12:7-10). The Most-High has something better – a path leading him into deeper dependence on YHVH and His Grace… Thus, say thanks when YHVH says no or wait. His answers are always perfect.

FROM THIS WEEK’S TORAH PORTION – B’HAR:

“Guard My Sabbaths and reverence My set-apart place. I am YHWH. If you walk in My laws and guard My commands, and shall do them, then I shall give you rain in its season, and the land shall yield its crops, and the trees of the field yield their fruit. And your threshing shall last till the time of the grape harvest, and the grape harvest shall last till the time of sowing. And you shall eat your bread until you have enough, and shall dwell in your land safely. And I shall give peace in the land, and you shall lie down and no one make you afraid. And I shall clear the land of evil beasts, and not let the sword go through your land. And you shall pursue your enemies, and they shall fall by the sword before you. And five of you shall pursue a hundred, and a hundred of you pursue ten thousand. And your enemies shall fall by the sword before you. And I shall turn to you and make you fruitful, and shall increase you, and shall establish My covenant with you. And you shall eat the old supply, and clear out the old because of the new. And I shall set My Dwelling Place in your midst, and My being shall not reject you. And I shall walk in your midst, and shall be your Elohim, and you shall be My people.”

Today is day 17 of 50 days to Shavu'ot Countdown!

Texas Gathering! If you live in Texas and would like to be water-immersed or attend a gathering click the link below - don’t delay the Texas gathering is a few days away!
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