When He Shall Come

There is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord . . . will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for His appearing.

2 Timothy 4:8, NIV

A morning television show presented a film clip of an American soldier who had just returned from Iraq. His return was a bit earlier than expected, so he showed up unannounced at his daughter’s school. A film crew was allowed to capture the scene. When he entered the classroom, his daughter looked up and saw him. In stunned disbelief, she burst into tears of joy, covered her mouth with her hands, and ran into his embrace. Lifting her off her feet, he hugged her tightly as she sobbed and her classmates cheered.

Maybe that’s a small picture of how we’ll feel when Jesus comes again.

Perhaps you remember a time in childhood when you looked forward to a beloved family member coming for a visit. The days and hours leading up to his or her arrival seemed interminable. The eagerness and anticipation were hard to contain.

The Lord wants us to long for His appearing like that.

When He shall come resplendent in His glory, to take His own from out the vale of night, O may I know the joy at His appearing, only at morn, to walk with Him in white!

ALMEDA PEARCE