The Return of the King

A Just King

Today’s prophecy and tomorrow’s fulfillment may look like exact opposites. In the first reading, God speaks to Jeremiah amid national chaos and despair. Under the disastrous leadership of King Zedekiah, Judah had fallen into idolatry, disobeying the Lord by seeking an alliance with Egypt against Babylon. Their sins ultimately lead to the destruction of Jerusalem, the temple, and the exile of the Jewish people to Babylon (2 Kings 25:1-21, Jeremiah 52:1-34).

When everything seems hopeless, God promises Jeremiah a righteous king from David’s branch. Faithful to his covenant, God will send his Son into the world to restore his people. 

The days are coming, says the LORD, when I will fulfill the promise I made to the house of Israel and Judah. In those days, in that time, I will raise up for David a just shoot; he shall do what is right and just in the land. In those days Judah shall be saved and Jerusalem shall dwell safely; this is what they shall call her: “The LORD our justice.”

Jeremiah 33:14-16

A Prophecy Gone Awry?

God’s promise to Jeremiah is fulfilled in the coming of Christ, the “just shoot” from the house of David. However, Jesus shatters all expectations. Against his people’s hopes, he foretells the destruction of the Jerusalem temple (Luke 21:6). While Jeremiah prophesies that “Judah shall be saved and Jerusalem shall dwell safely,” Jesus ominously declares:

When you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, know that its desolation is at hand. Then those in Judea must flee to the mountains…They will fall by the edge of the sword and be taken as captives to all the Gentiles; and Jerusalem will be trampled underfoot by the Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled.

Luke 21:20-24

Using apocalyptic language, Jesus further warns his disciples about the imminent tribulation. Cosmic turbulence in the sky and sea will augur his second coming. As the “day of the Lord” approaches, earthly kingdoms, nations, and heavenly powers will be shaken.

Jesus said to his disciples: “There will be signs in the sun, the moon, and the stars, and on earth nations will be in dismay, perplexed by the roaring of the sea and the waves. People will die of fright in anticipation of what is coming upon the world, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken.“

Luke 21:25-26

How is this “good news”? How is this consonant with Jeremiah’s prophecy of Jerusalem’s security? Prophecy and fulfillment clash.

As Jesus reveals to Pontius Pilate, his kingdom is “not of this world” (John 18:36). The only safe harbor is the new Jerusalem, established by the death and resurrection of Christ—the “Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29).

Stay Awake!

Faithful disciples prepare their hearts to welcome the Lord when he returns. Outer turbulence cannot shake their inner resolve to stand fast with Christ. Vigilant virgins, watchmen, and sentinels stay awake, awaiting their redemption.

And then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. But when these signs begin to happen, stand erect and raise your heads because your redemption is at hand.

Luke 21:27-28

The Return of the King

Amid the busyness of daily life, disciples guard their hearts as their highest priority. If Christ is our treasure, our hearts will stay awake for his arrival. If the heart chases after riches, fame, power, or any other idol, “that day” will break in like an unwanted burglar. 

“Beware that your hearts do not become drowsy from carousing and drunkenness and the anxieties of daily life, and that day catch you by surprise like a trap. For that day will assault everyone who lives on the face of the earth. Be vigilant at all times and pray that you have the strength to escape the tribulations that are imminent and to stand before the Son of Man.”

Luke 21:34-36

Will the second coming of Christ look anything like its prophecy? No one knows. May we stay awake, watching and praying for the return of the King.

Traditional Chinese Translation

《王者歸來》
當酒醉之國沮喪而目瞪口呆時，
警醒的哨兵卻守望祈禱。