There is a day that is coming that swells great joy in the hearts of millions. A day when broken hearts will be mended, a day when loved ones will be reunited, and a day when hopes will be realized. This is a day that I have been longing for since I was a child, and a day that millions more have longed for with an eagerness that is stronger than that of a bride awaiting her groom. What is this day you may be thinking? I am talking about the day when the King of the universe, the one who has all authority in heaven, and on earth, and under the earth returns. I am talking about the second coming of Jesus Christ, the day when Jesus will return to earth to rule and to reign. He will bring justice to the wicked and peace to the righteous. It will be a great return of the King.

You can learn a lot about yourself, by considering what comes to your mind when you think of this day. As mentioned above, for many of you thinking about the return of the King brings great joy and peace to mind. For you, this is the day, more than any other that you look forward to. But for many others of you, this day strikes a deep terror in your heart. When Christ returns there is a very stark difference between those who are with him and those who are against him. One of the most vivid passages of scripture comes in Revelation 19:11-16 when the return of Christ is described:

Then I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse! The one sitting on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he judges and makes war. His eyes are like a flame of fire, and on his head are many diadems, and he has a name written that no one knows but himself. He is clothed in a robe dipped in blood, and the name by which he is called is the word of God. And the armies of heaven, arrayed in fine linen, white and pure, were following him on white horses. From his mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations, and he will rule them with a rod of iron. He will tread the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God the Almighty. On his robe and on his thigh he has a name written, King of kings and Lord of lords.
On which side of Christ will you be on when the King returns?

If you are interested in learning more about the return of Christ, and what will happen in the end of time come to First Baptist beginning Wednesday night Aug. 8 at 6 p.m. for a 17-week study of the book of Revelation called "Return of the King."

Jason Dees is a grateful follower of Jesus Christ, the husband of Paige and the father of Emery Anna. He is also the senior pastor of First Baptist Church in Covington.