Reign Forecast

by Scott Owings

    Each spring it happens. We even have a song about it's certainty, don't we?

    April showers bring May flowers.

    But this spring, while being amazed once again at the Lord's faithfulness and power to send the rain, I've been reminded of a greater certainty. Actually, it was the 8th century B.C. prophet, Hosea, who thundered these words into my ears:

"Let us press on to know the Lord;
    His appearing is as sure as the dawn;
He will come to us like the showers,
    Like the spring rains that water the earth." (Hosea 6:3)

    Did you hear the forecast? Unlike our weathermen who sometimes are off, this one is certain.

    The Lord is coming...His reign is coming!

    How do we know?

    Like any good weathermen, we look to the signs. No, we don't look at the partly cloudy skies or barometric pressure. We look to the promises found in Scripture. We look to prophet and priest, Peter and Paul, and to God and Jesus who all proclaim:

The Lord is coming!

    So, the Lord is coming. The next obvious question is, "How do we live as we wait?"

    This question has been answered in a number of different ways through the centuries, ranging from passive retreat to taking arms. Though Scripture gives us many helpful words about how to live as we await the Lord's return, I believe Hosea has a very crucial message for us about the Lord's coming reign.

    Hosea encourages us to "know the Lord." He reminds us that is our goal. Our goal is not better Bible knowledge, a stronger family, or unity among Christians. These are all great things and we should pursue them. But, our first priority is to know the Lord. If we seek him and his kingdom first, "all these things will be added as well." (Matt. 6:33) And note, Hosea didn't say know "about" the Lord; rather, our goal is to know him, to know the Lord! Paul said something similar in writing to the Philippians: "I want to know him..." (Phil. 3:10)

    So, how do we "know the Lord"?

    First, we set "knowing the Lord" as our highest goal. Write it down. Tell someone of your quest. Especially tell the Lord that you want to know him more and more! He will honor your request; in fact, he longs to be known!

    Second, we don't give up. This is hard for our society that changes goals, and even relationships, like changing clothes. But we must press on! In the words of Winston Churchill, "never... never... never give up!

    Next, we (re)commit to others. Hosea didn't say "you," as the individual, press on to know the Lord. Rather, the thought is press on with your brothers and sisters. God saw that it was not good for us to be alone; this applies not only to marriage but to our faith as well! Let's help each other come to know the Lord.

    Finally, we rejoice as we wait for his coming. The first coming of Jesus brought praise and worship from those who had eyes to see. At his next appearance "every eye will see him, even those who pierced him." (Rev. 1.7) We will see him in his glory ,and we will reign with him forever and ever (take a look at 1 Thessalonians 1:13-18 and 2 Thessalonians 1:5-12) So, if praise is what his first coming brought about, and praise is the "stuff of heaven", how should we then live now? Yep, you've got it, we should be a praise-full people!

"The one who testifies to these things says, 'Surely I am coming soon.' Amen, Come Lord Jesus! (Rev. 22.20)

Posted: 05/06/2000
URL: http://www.heartlight.org/articles/200005/20000506_reign.html

(c) 2000 Scott Owings. Used by permission." -->

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