Only The Father Knows

Jesus promised to “come again” (Jn 14:3), “in like manner” (Acts 1:11), as He was seen ascending up into Heaven. This will happen sometime in the future during the ‘rapture;’ when all “the dead in Christ shall rise first” (1 Thes 4:16), then all other saints “which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air” (1 Thes 4:17). Our mortal bodies “must put on immortality” (1 Cor 15:53). But no one knows “that day and that hour.” Only “the Father” knows it! Why did Jesus, in His divinity, state that He does not even know when He is coming again?

Because when He “was made flesh, and dwelt among us” (Jn 1:14), He “made Himself of no reputation” (Php 2:7). The phrase “no reputation” was from the Greek word ‘kenoo,’ which means to empty or to make void. Paul used it to describe the act of Jesus emptying Himself of His great and infinite powers that could have been used in the finite limitations of humanity. For example, He limited His powers when He was tempted by the devil in the wilderness (Lk 4:2), and when He was crucified on the cross (Mk 15:30). The context of our verse indicates that Jesus was merely emphasizing the foolishness of setting any dates concerning His return.

Since no one knows the actual time of His coming (1 Thes 5:2), He wants us to remain watchful and prayerful always (v. 33). Paul encourages us to be “stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord” (1 Cor 15:58). Because we don’t want to “be ashamed before Him at His coming” (1 Jn 2:28)! Are you ready and prepared “to meet thy God” (Amos 4:12)? If not, then you need to come to Jesus (Mt 11:28), and trust Him alone as your Lord and Saviour by faith (Eph 2:8). Do it now before it’s too late! God bless you!

- Pastor Melito Barrera