The first to witness this incredible spectacle were a group of pilgrims. They immediately recognized the figure as Jesus, matching the traditional images and stories they had heard: long hair, a full beard, and intensely piercing eyes. The figure seemed to glow from within, creating a scene of ethereal beauty. The presence of angels, glowing with pure light and wings that sparkled in the sunlight, added to the spectacle. People watching were overcome with happiness and amazement; some were moved to tears of joy, while others prayed silently, grateful to witness such a miracle.
News of this extraordinary sighting spread rapidly, and people flocked to the Mount of Olives, turning it into a bustling gathering place. Social media buzzed with accounts of the event, with people sharing their personal stories and images of what they had seen. Among all the recordings, one image stood out: a white dove descending upon the central figure, symbolizing the Holy Spirit, a powerful and spiritual presence.
As more people gathered, a hush fell over the crowd. Everyone waited in anticipation to see what would happen next. Suddenly, the serene and powerful figure spoke. The message delivered was simple yet profound: “Love one another and understand that forgiveness is the key to the kingdom of Heaven.” The figure also urged people to unite in compassion and work towards building a world where harmony reigns.
Reactions to this message varied widely. Religious leaders and communities around the world were quick to respond. Some were firm believers in the miracle, while others demanded more proof before making any judgments. Meanwhile, authorities and scientists were busy trying to understand the event, debating and analyzing to comprehend its nature and significance.
People’s responses to the event on the Mount of Olives were diverse. Some accepted it without question, viewing it as a genuine divine message. Others were more skeptical, asking for additional proof before believing. Theologians engaged in debates, attempting to discern the meaning and implications of this miraculous event. Was this a genuine message from the divine, or was there another explanation?
Regardless of the differing opinions, the event left a lasting impact on those who witnessed it and on the wider world. The sight of a shining figure descending from the sky, surrounded by angels and delivering a message of love and forgiveness, was a powerful and moving experience. It prompted reflection, debate, and a renewed sense of spiritual curiosity among many.
The concept of the second coming of Christ is central to Christian theology and has served as a source of hope and inspiration for millions of believers throughout history. Believers around the world have dedicated significant effort to studying and analyzing biblical prophecies, particularly those found in the Book of Revelation and other related texts, to understand when and how Jesus will return. This intense scrutiny has led to various interpretations and theories about the events that will surround his return.
Some Christians expect a literal interpretation, envisioning Jesus physically descending from the heavens in a display of power and majesty. Others view the second coming more symbolically, seeing it as representing a spiritual awakening or transformation for humanity. Regardless of the specific interpretations, the return of Jesus is often associated with the idea of Judgment Day, a time when the righteous will be rewarded and the wicked will face punishment.
This belief serves as a powerful motivation for many Christians to lead moral and ethical lives in anticipation of the final judgment. The hope of Jesus’s return has also inspired various movements and sects within Christianity, each interpreting the prophecy in their own unique way. Some groups have even set specific dates for the second coming, only to be disappointed when the predicted day passes without incident.
Despite the uncertainty and debate surrounding the exact nature of Jesus’s return, the hope and faith in his eventual coming remain strong among believers. The promise of a renewed and transformed world free from suffering and sin continues to inspire and comfort those who look forward to the day when Jesus will return to Earth.
As people continue to wait and prepare for this momentous event, the teachings of Jesus—to love one another, show kindness and compassion, and live out the values of the kingdom of God—guide their actions and attitudes. The belief in the second coming serves as a reminder to live with hope and purpose, knowing that one day Jesus will indeed return to fulfill his promise of redemption and restoration.
According to the Bible, when Jesus comes back, it will be a dramatic event. He will come in power and glory, surrounded by angels, and everyone will know that it is him. There will be no doubt about it. This grand and triumphant return is a fundamental tenant of many Christian faiths. Jesus himself spoke about his return during his time on Earth, promising his disciples that he would come again to establish his kingdom.
Throughout history, various Christian denominations have interpreted the idea of Jesus’s second coming in different ways. Some believe in a literal interpretation where Jesus will physically return to Earth in the future. Others see it as a more symbolic or spiritual event. Regardless of the specific interpretation, the belief in the second coming of Jesus plays a significant role in shaping the beliefs and practices of many Christians around the world.
The concept of Jesus’s return is deeply rooted in eschatology, the branch of theology that deals with the final events in human history, the ultimate destiny of humanity, and the end of the world. Many Christians view the second coming as a pivotal moment in the fulfillment of God’s plan for salvation and redemption. It is often associated with themes of judgment, the resurrection of the dead, and the establishment of a new kingdom where righteousness and peace will reign supreme.
The New Testament of the Bible contains numerous references to Jesus’s second coming, providing vivid descriptions of what this event might entail. For example, the Book of Revelation offers depictions of Jesus returning on a white horse, accompanied by heavenly hosts and angels. This imagery is often symbolic and metaphorical, illustrating the cosmic significance of this eschatological event.
For many Christians, the belief in Jesus’s return serves as a source of hope and inspiration, especially in times of hardship and uncertainty. It offers reassurance that ultimately justice will prevail and all things will be made right in the end. This belief encourages believers to persevere in their faith, knowing that a glorious and transformative future awaits them.
As people continue to wait for Jesus’s return, they find solace in his teachings and strive to embody the principles he advocated during his earthly ministry. The call to love one another, to show mercy, and to live justly remains a guiding force for Christians worldwide. This anticipation fosters a sense of community and shared purpose among believers who support and uplift each other in their spiritual journeys.
Moreover, the promise of Jesus’s return has a profound impact on Christian worship and liturgy. Many prayers, hymns, and rituals reflect this expectation, reinforcing the centrality of the second coming in Christian faith. Celebrations such as Advent and Easter also emphasize themes of hope, renewal, and the ultimate triumph of good over evil.
While the exact timing and manner of Jesus’s return remain a mystery, the hope it inspires is unwavering. Believers look forward to a future where pain and sorrow are no more and where they will be reunited with loved ones in a world made new. This hope is not merely a distant dream but a present reality that shapes their daily lives and interactions.
In conclusion, the belief in the second coming of Jesus is a cornerstone of Christian theology, providing hope, inspiration, and a sense of purpose to millions of believers around the world. Whether interpreted literally or symbolically, the promise of Jesus’s return offers a vision of a world transformed by love, justice, and peace. As Christians continue to live out their faith in anticipation of this momentous event, they are reminded of the enduring power of Jesus’s teachings and the ultimate fulfillment of God’s redemptive plan.
The hope for a better future motivates believers to live their lives in accordance with the teachings of Jesus, preparing themselves for the coming kingdom of God. The New Testament book of Revelation provides vivid descriptions of Jesus’s return, portraying him as a conquering king who will defeat evil and establish his reign over the Earth. Revelation 1:7 states, “Behold, he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him, even those who pierced him, and all tribes of the earth will wail on account of him.” This verse speaks to the universal nature of Jesus’s return, suggesting that it will be a globally recognized event with a profound impact on all humanity.
Throughout the gospels, Jesus also alludes to the dramatic nature of his second coming. In Matthew 24:30, he states, “Then will appear in heaven the sign of the Son of Man, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.” This passage underscores the belief that Jesus’s return will be a momentous and inspiring event marked by unmistakable signs that will leave no room for doubt.
The idea of Jesus returning in power and glory, surrounded by angels, has inspired countless works of art, literature, and music throughout history. Artists have depicted the scene of Jesus’s return in various ways, often emphasizing the majesty and splendor of his arrival. Composers have created grand musical pieces that seek to capture the awe and reverence of this sacred event. Writers have penned stirring narratives exploring the meaning and significance of Jesus’s second coming for believers.
The promise of Jesus’s return is a source of hope and comfort in a world filled with uncertainty and suffering. The belief that Jesus will come again to establish his kingdom of righteousness and peace provides reassurance that ultimate justice and redemption will prevail. It serves as a reminder that despite the trials and tribulations of this present age, a future of divine fulfillment and restoration awaits those who place their trust in the coming king.
When Jesus comes back, he is expected to perform several significant acts. First, he will gather all his followers, both the living and the deceased, and they will be taken up to heaven to be with him forever. Then Jesus will judge everyone who is left behind. Some believe that after Jesus’s return, there will be a new heaven and a new earth where everything will be perfect and there will be no more pain or suffering. However, there are varying interpretations among Christians about the specifics of how and when Jesus will return.
The recent sighting of a glowing figure in Jerusalem has led many to compare it to the Bible’s description of Jesus’s second coming. The Bible describes Jesus’s return as him coming down from the sky with angels, descending in a glorious and awe-inspiring manner. This event, known as the second coming of Jesus Christ, is foretold in the New Testament. The imagery of Jesus descending from the sky with angels is a powerful and symbolic representation of his return to Earth to judge the living and the dead.
The concept of Jesus coming down from the sky with angels holds great significance in Christian theology. It is believed to signify the culmination of history and the final triumph of good over evil. This event is associated with the end times, the day of judgment, and the establishment of God’s kingdom on Earth. In Christian eschatology, the second coming of Christ is considered a major event that will bring about the ultimate redemption and restoration of creation.
While the recent sighting has captured the imagination and sparked debates among believers, it also raises questions about its authenticity and alignment with biblical prophecies. Some people see the similarities between the sighting and the biblical descriptions of Jesus’s second coming, while others remain skeptical and seek more proof. The Bible describes Jesus’s return as a dramatic and unmistakable event, and many are comparing the recent news to these descriptions to determine if it matches.
Amidst the excitement and speculation, there is a broader reflection on the implications of such an event. The sighting has prompted discussions on the theological and spiritual significance of the second coming, reminding believers of the hope and promise of a future where righteousness and peace prevail.
In contrast to this grand and anticipated event, there are stories of individuals who have sought to embody the teachings of Jesus in their daily lives. For instance, a modern-day figure named Henry continued his mission to spread a message of peace and love to all who would listen. His teachings attracted a small but devoted following, and he soon gained a reputation as a charismatic and inspiring leader. Despite facing constant scrutiny and criticism from skeptics and religious authorities, Henry remained steadfast in his beliefs and continued to preach his message of compassion and forgiveness.
As word of Henry’s teachings spread, he began to attract followers from all walks of life. Some saw him as a prophet, drawn to his message of hope and the promise of a better future. His story serves as a reminder that the essence of Jesus’s teachings—love, compassion, and forgiveness—continues to inspire and guide people today, just as it did centuries ago.
The anticipation of Jesus’s return and the recent sighting in Jerusalem have rekindled discussions about faith, prophecy, and the nature of divine intervention. While the world waits and watches, the teachings of Jesus encourage believers to live with hope and purpose, embodying the values of the kingdom of God as they prepare for the fulfillment of his promise of redemption.
While others viewed Henry as a revolutionary figure challenging the status quo, his message resonated with many who were disillusioned with the corruption and greed that plagued society. His followers grew in numbers with each passing day. However, not everyone was pleased with Henry’s growing influence. Religious leaders and government officials saw him as a threat to their power and authority and launched a campaign to discredit and undermine his message.
Henry faced constant harassment and persecution, with many attempting to silence him through intimidation and violence. Despite the challenges, Henry remained committed to his cause. He continued to preach his message of peace and harmony, urging his followers to resist violence and hate in all its forms. Henry’s words inspired many to seek a better world, free from the injustices and inequalities that plagued society.
As time went on, Henry’s influence continued to grow, spreading far beyond the borders of France. His message reached people from all corners of the globe, sparking a wave of change. The imagery of Jesus descending from the sky with angels has been a recurring theme in Christian art, literature, and theology. Artists throughout history have sought to capture the majesty and splendor of this event, portraying Jesus as a divine figure surrounded by a heavenly host. The depiction of angels accompanying Jesus emphasizes the sacred and transcendent nature of his return.
The belief in Jesus coming down from the sky with angels is not limited to Christianity. In Islam, Jesus (Issa in Arabic) is also expected to return in the future as a powerful and righteous leader. Muslims refer to this event as the second coming of Isa, during which he will establish justice and peace on Earth. The parallels between Christian and Islamic beliefs regarding the return of Jesus highlight the shared reverence for this important religious figure.
Overall, the concept of Jesus coming down from the sky with angels is a central theme in Christian theology and eschatology. It symbolizes the hope and expectation of believers for the fulfillment of God’s plan for the world. As a deeply symbolic and profound image, it continues to inspire and captivate the faithful across different religious traditions.
Similarly, in the recent sighting, a radiant figure descended from the sky, accompanied by shining angels. Another similarity is the message conveyed during these events. In the Bible, Jesus is said to deliver a message of peace, love, and unity, urging humanity to come together under the banner of love and forgiveness. Similarly, in recent news, the figure is reported to impart a message of peace and unity that touches the souls of everyone present.
The teachings of Jesus in the Bible have had a profound impact on millions of people around the world, guiding them toward a life of compassion, understanding, and forgiveness. His message of peace and love continues to resonate with many, transcending cultural and religious boundaries. In today’s world, where conflicts and divisions seem to be prevalent, the message of peace and unity that Jesus preached is more important than ever.
People from different walks of life are seeking ways to bridge the gap and foster understanding among one another, much like Jesus encouraged during his time on Earth. This call for unity and love is echoed in various forms, not just in religious teachings but also in philosophies and movements that aim to bring people together for a common cause. From community outreach programs to international peace initiatives, the spirit of unity and cooperation can be seen in action across the globe.
When news of a figure imparting a message of peace and unity reaches the public, it serves as a reminder of the enduring relevance of such values in our modern society. People are inspired to set aside their differences and work towards a common goal of harmony and cooperation, just as Jesus envisioned for humanity.
In a world filled with challenges and uncertainties, the timeless message of peace, love, and unity continues to guide and uplift.
SEE MORE: God Redeems Even as Wildfires Spread
Afew days ago, the world around me exploded into flames. Sparked by an unprecedented wind event with 100-mile-per-hour gusts, six wildfires engulfed huge swaths of the greater Los Angeles region. I live just south of where the Eaton fire erupted, which has damaged or destroyed more than 7,000 buildings and left at least 16 people dead. Even now, the fires continue to rage, with the forecast predicting a new round of wind events that threaten to expand and extend the unprecedented destruction.
For the past 14 years, I have taught at Fuller Theological Seminary, located in Pasadena near the epicenter of the catastrophe. Although my family’s home remains intact with only minor damage, the same cannot be said for so many others connected to Fuller or in my broader community. I know of at least eight faculty, staff, and students at Fuller whose homes went up in flames.
But we’re not alone. Fuller is but a microcosm of all that has been lost in our area. Entire neighborhoods—homes, businesses, churches, schools, parks, and libraries—now sit in smoldering ash.
It’s as overwhelming as it is surreal. Some have said that these once-quaint residential areas now look like the set of a postapocalyptic movie. But the images I’ve seen of my daughters’ burned schools remind me less of postapocalyptic Earth than of an alien landscape.
Of course, given that we live in Southern California, this isn’t the first time our community has been affected by raging wildfires. In the fall of 2020, my family and I had to evacuate from our home in Monrovia along with thousands of others, much like many residents there had to do again this past week. In fact, for many members of our local community, their entire life has been defined by this exact kind of instability and disruption.
But this event has been something altogether different. We’ve had windstorms before. We’ve had fires before. But the pace, scale, and extent of this particular trauma is something new—some even have called it the “new normal.”
Many of these same dynamics were in play for the people of Israel during the time God spoke through the prophet as recorded in Isaiah 43. The Exile was a catastrophic disruption. Some were forcibly removed from the land, and some were privileged enough to remain. Any sense of togetherness or commonality or unity that might have grown from this shared experience was threatened by their separate traumas. It is into this conflicted space and to this traumatized people that God speaks:
In a time of instability and uncertainty, what does God say to his people? I created you (bara), formed you (yatsar), and called you (qara). This is the very same language we read in Genesis when, in the beginning, God creates (bara) the heavens and the earth (1:1), forms (yatsar) the human from the dust of the ground (2:7), and calls (qara) the light “day” and the darkness “night” (1:5). In other words, God reminds Israel that they have quite literally been made for such a time as this.
And what kind of time is this exactly? According to Isaiah 43, it’s a time in which the people of Israel will be passing through flood waters and traversing rising rivers and navigating uncontrolled fires—each of which threatens to overwhelm them at every turn. One would think that the prophet would bring a more reassuring message, especially to a people who longed for nothing more than to go back to the stability and security they knew prior to the Exile.
But that’s not what they get. Instead, God speaks through the prophet Isaiah with this message: There is no going back to a time of stability or security or certainty. There are only cataclysmic waters and catastrophic fires ahead. In fact, for Israel, it is not a matter of if they will encounter these scenarios. It is only a matter of when.
It is therefore all the more significant that, having painted this harrowing picture of what’s to come, God still has the audacity to say, “Don’t be afraid.” And the rationale for why the people need not fear is pretty much the same as the one God always gives: I have redeemed you, and I will be with you. As the waters rise. As the fires bear down upon you. As the land beneath your feet begins to crumble. You are mine. And I am here.
Even though that kind of message pulls on all my evangelical heartstrings, in my more transparent moments, I have to admit that God’s presence sure doesn’t seem like enough to justify all the chaos and uncertainty and loss that are now permanent fixtures in our lives. I will be the first to confess that, more times than not, if given the choice between a stable existence without God or an unstable existence with God, I’d choose stability.
But that is a false binary. The actual, concrete choice we have before us is not returning to a more stable past or suffering through an increasingly unstable present. The real choice is whether we commit ourselves to a paralyzing nostalgia for a past that never was or dare to leap into the unstable and unpredictable future that is to come—diving headlong into a world that does not yet exist.
God makes it clear to Israel that they have been redeemed not from something but for something. God has created them and formed them and called them by name not to save them from instability but to prepare them for it.
Look, I am about to do something new.
Now it begins to happen! Do you not recognize it?
Yes, I will make a road in the wilderness
and paths in the wastelands.
The wild animals honor me,
the jackals and ostriches,
because I put water in the wilderness
and streams in the wastelands,
to quench the thirst of my chosen people,
the people whom I formed for myself,
so they might praise me. (Isa. 43:19–21, NET)
I am about to do a new thing, says God. Rivers in the desert. Water in the wilderness. Drinks for my thirsty people. It all sounds so lovely and refreshing and peaceful, unless you have ever experienced what actually happens to a desert or fire-scorched earth when water suddenly appears: flash floods, toxic runoff, and reshaping of the land on a fundamental level.
Rivers in the desert present an opportunity for much-needed refreshment, but they are also radically destabilizing. New things are always destabilizing. That’s what makes them new. The old is upended, transformed, reconstituted.
When God moves in the world, nothing is ever the same. And when we participate in that newness, not only is there no going back to normal, but also none of us are left unscathed. Just ask Jacob, whose reward for encountering God was a lifetime of instability in the form of a chronic injury—a limp that would forever remind him of how God had created, shaped, and called him (Gen. 32:28).
So as we reflect theologically about wildfires in Los Angeles (or earthquakes in China, or brutal wars in Ukraine and Israel), the question Christians today must ask is this: If we too are being redeemed—not from instability but for instability—what does it look like to participate in God’s ongoing work of destabilizing newness? Especially when we ourselves are constantly in a state of disruption?
It’s surely not the only answer, but as I think about the ways in which God not only shaped Jacob’s life and formed the people of Israel but also calls us today, it strikes me that one way of participating with God’s work in a time of permanent instability is to disrupt the disruption. And given the cascade of overlapping crises we are all facing, I cannot think of anything more disruptive, more scandalous, or maybe even more offensive to contemporary sensibilities than joy.
I’m not talking about some kind of Pollyannish version of happiness that ignores or overlooks the various traumas we have all endured and continue to endure. I’m talking about something deeper and far more hard-won—a wide-eyed acknowledgment that the only thing of which we can be certain is that all of life’s joys are “in spite of” something. Or as Proverbs reminds us, “Even in laughter the heart may ache, and rejoicing may end in grief” (14:13).
In the midst of chaos and loss and disorientation, joy is a rebellious act. It is defiant. It is a willful protest against the world as it has been handed to us. It is neither to pretend as if the rampant fires that surround us don’t exist nor to accept that they will have the final say. Joy, if it is in any sense Christian, is both a fierce commitment to disrupting those destabilizing forces and, at the very same time, a declaration of praise to the God who is always and forever about to do something new.
I would never dare to suggest that this most recent natural disaster should be seen as good because it is somehow preparing us for more chaos. God can and does exchange beauty for ashes for those who are grieving (Isa. 61:3). But it’s still too soon to skip to this part of the story—personally or theologically. The wounds are still too fresh.
At the present moment, all we can do is mourn with those who mourn, open our homes to those who have lost everything, and hold on to the hope that God will be with us as we walk through these fires and prepare for whatever uncertainties are still to come.
As the next few days, weeks, and months unfold here in Southern California, there is no going back to whatever came before. There is no “normalcy” on the horizon. But that’s just as it should be. Fear not, the prophet reminds us. We have been created to witness and collaborate with the work of a God who is always doing something new. And at least in my mind, that’s reason enough to embrace a defiant joy.
