The promise of Christ’s return has been the hope of believers from the time Adam and Eve left Eden, through the faith of Abraham, Moses, and David, and continues to be the longing of the church today. This hope is not just a distant dream but a living expectation that shapes how we endure the sorrows and trials of this world, knowing that what God has prepared for us is far better than anything we experience now. The assurance that Jesus will come again gives us strength to persevere, to look beyond present pain, and to echo the prayer, “Even so, come, Lord Jesus.” [07:34]
Revelation 22:20 (ESV)
He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to let the hope of Christ’s return give you courage or comfort today?
True love, as shown in the friendship of Jonathan and David, does not discriminate based on status, background, or appearance. It is a love that respects the poor and the rich, the tall and the short, the black and the brown, seeing all as equal before God. This Christlike love is not concerned with outward differences but seeks to lift others up, encourage them, and treat them with dignity, just as Jesus loved us while we were still sinners. [17:54]
1 Samuel 18:1-4 (ESV)
As soon as he had finished speaking to Saul, the soul of Jonathan was knit to the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul. And Saul took him that day and would not let him return to his father’s house. Then Jonathan made a covenant with David, because he loved him as his own soul. And Jonathan stripped himself of the robe that was on him and gave it to David, and his armor, and even his sword and his bow and his belt.
Reflection: Who is someone in your life you tend to overlook or avoid? How can you show them Christlike love and respect this week?
While people often judge by outward appearance—beauty, height, wealth, or status—God looks at the heart. The world may value what is seen, but God values character, humility, and spiritual connection. Whether in leadership, family, or church, what matters most is not how impressive we seem but whether our hearts are right with God and others. [29:33]
1 Samuel 16:7 (ESV)
But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.”
Reflection: In what ways are you tempted to judge yourself or others by outward standards? How can you focus more on cultivating a heart that pleases God?
Every person is created in the image of God and deserves to be treated with respect, regardless of their position or background. The call to defend the fatherless, encourage the widow, and treat those who work for us with dignity is a reflection of God’s justice and compassion. We never know the silent prayers of those around us, and our kindness may be the answer to someone’s deepest need. [34:51]
Psalm 82:3-4 (ESV)
Give justice to the weak and the fatherless; maintain the right of the afflicted and the destitute. Rescue the weak and the needy; deliver them from the hand of the wicked.
Reflection: Is there someone in your home, workplace, or community whom you can encourage or defend today? What practical step can you take to show them God’s love?
It is possible to become so comfortable with our blessings, status, or religious routines that we miss the deeper call to spiritual readiness and compassion. Like the rich man who ignored Lazarus, we can be so focused on ourselves that we fail to prepare for eternity or to care for those in need. The true measure of our lives is not public applause or outward success, but whether we are living each day in readiness for Christ’s return and in service to others. [44:41]
Luke 16:25 (ESV)
But Abraham said, “Child, remember that you in your lifetime received your good things, and Lazarus in like manner bad things; but now he is comforted here, and you are in anguish.”
Reflection: What comfort or routine in your life might be dulling your spiritual alertness or compassion? What is one change you can make to live with greater readiness and love?
Today, we gathered to reflect on a profound question: “Will you be missed?” Drawing from Revelation 22:20, we are reminded of the certainty and nearness of Christ’s second coming—a hope that has sustained believers from the days of Adam and Eve, through the faith of Abraham, Moses, and David, and continues to inspire us today. The promise of Christ’s return is not just a distant prophecy but a living reality that shapes how we live, love, and serve one another.
The world we inhabit is marked by sorrow, death, and division, but what God has prepared for us is far greater than anything we experience here. Faith allows us to see beyond our present struggles and to anticipate the joy and restoration that await us. Yet, as we look forward to that glorious day, we must also examine the legacy we are leaving behind. The question is not simply whether we will be remembered, but whether we will be missed for the right reasons.
Scripture gives us the example of David, a man loved by all Israel—not because of his status or appearance, but because of his heart, his encouragement, and his love for others. In contrast, Saul was chosen for his outward qualities, but it was David’s character that made him truly significant. The love between Jonathan and David exemplifies the kind of selfless, unconditional love that Christ calls us to embody. Our relationships, both in the church and at home, are the true measure of our faith.
It is easy to focus on external achievements, social status, or religious practices, but God looks at the heart. The way we treat our families, our neighbors, and even those who serve us in humble roles reveals whether we are truly following Christ. We are called to defend the fatherless, encourage the widow, and treat every person with dignity, for all are made in the image of God. Ultimately, only those who love deeply, serve faithfully, and live with integrity will be truly missed—not just remembered, but longed for when absent.
As we await Christ’s return, let us strive to be people whose absence would leave a void, not because of our titles or talents, but because of the love, encouragement, and Christlike character we brought into the lives of others. May we all be found ready, echoing the prayer of John: “Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus.”
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Revelation 22:20 (ESV) — > He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!
1 Samuel 18:1-4 (ESV) — > As soon as he had finished speaking to Saul, the soul of Jonathan was knit to the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul. And Saul took him that day and would not let him return to his father’s house. Then Jonathan made a covenant with David, because he loved him as his own soul. And Jonathan stripped himself of the robe that was on him and gave it to David, and his armor, and even his sword and his bow and his belt.
1 Samuel 16:7 (ESV) — > But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.”
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