It’s a Love Story

He's Coming Back For Us!

The return of Jesus Christ is the ultimate love story—a story filled with hope, promise, and the assurance that our Saviour is coming back to take us to Himself. This isn't just a message of future joy but a call to live with purpose and readiness. Here’s why you should be excited and encouraged by this truth.

Chris Hodges from Highlands church preached this message and it was so refreshing and encouraging to hear the message of Revelation preached from this angle. Often we think of Revelation and have concerns about so much of the imagery and the things to come, that we miss the key message. He loves us and He is coming back for us!

The Promise of His Return

Jesus Himself assured us of His return in John 14:1-3: "Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. 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."

This promise is reinforced in Acts 1:9-11 when Jesus ascended into heaven and angels assured the disciples that He would return the same way He left.

9 After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight. 10 They were looking intently up into the sky as he was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them. 11 “Men of Galilee,” they said, “why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.”

Living in Anticipation

As believers, we are called to live in anticipation of Christ’s return. 1 Thessalonians 4:15-18 gives us a vivid description of this event: "For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever."

This means living with hope and purity. 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 reminds us to be awake and sober, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet. We are children of the light and should not be caught off guard by the Lord’s return.

1 Now, brothers and sisters, about times and dates we do not need to write to you, 2 for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. 3 While people are saying, “Peace and safety,” destruction will come on them suddenly, as labour pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape. 4 But you, brothers and sisters, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief. 5 You are all children of the light and children of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness. 

6 So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be awake and sober. 7 For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, get drunk at night. 8 But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet. 9 For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. 10 He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him. 11 Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.

The Fulfillment of His Love

The book of Revelation paints a beautiful picture of Christ’s return and the new creation.

Revelation 21:1-4 describes a new heaven and new earth where God will dwell with His people, wipe away every tear, and abolish death and suffering.

1 Then I saw “a new heaven and a new earth,” for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. 2 I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. 3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. 4 ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’[b] or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”

Moreover, the church as the bride of Christ underscores the intimate and eternal relationship we will enjoy with Him. Revelation 19:7-9 speaks of the wedding of the Lamb, where the bride (the Church) has made herself ready.

7 Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory! For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and his bride has made herself ready.

How Then Should We Live?

Knowing that Christ will return, we should live holy and godly lives.

1 Peter 4:7 says, "The end of all things is near. Therefore, be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray." This means being right with God, using our gifts to serve others, and living in community.

2 Peter 3:10-12 urges us to live lives of holiness and godliness in anticipation of the day of the Lord.

10 But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything done in it will be laid bare. 11 Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives . . .

This isn't just about avoiding sin but actively doing good and spurring one another on toward love and good deeds Hebrews 10:24-25

24 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, 25 not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

Jesus's return is also a call to mission. Matthew 24:14 tells us that the Gospel will be preached to all nations before the end comes. We are called to be part of this mission, sharing the good news with others.

14 And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.

It’s a Love Story: He’s Coming Back for Us!

The return of Jesus is the greatest love story ever told. It’s not something to fear but to anticipate with joy and readiness. Revelation 19:7 encourages us to rejoice and give Him glory, for the wedding of the Lamb has come, and His bride has made herself ready.

Jesus is coming back for us. Until then, let’s live with purpose, love, and the hope that comes from knowing we are part of His eternal story. As we await His return, let’s remember His promise and live each day in the light of His love.

Be ready! Be on mission! Jesus is coming back to take us to be with Him. Let’s live out this love story every day.

"Dear God, thank you for your unending love and the promise of Christ's return. Help us to live in anticipation of that day, reflecting your love in our lives. Amen."

Notes and blog created, from personally getting a lot out of the message of the same name by Chris Hodges of Highlands Church. Thank you for this wonderful encouraging message. You can view the video at this link.