Fall 2024

Sports Spectrum Daily Devotional: Thursday, July 23

“In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to Myself, that where I am you may be also.” — John 14:2-3 (ESV)

God Promises His Return

The second coming of Christ will mark the end of this age with resounding and final punctuation. First Thessalonians 4:16 (ESV) says, “For the Lord Himself will descend from Heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God.” Jesus promises that He is coming back for you and me. He’s returning to make his Lordship known to all the earth. Upon His return, He will destroy once and for all the destructive works of the enemy. He’s going to rid the earth of the damage sin has caused and bring about the final restoration of all things to Himself.

Jesus’ return will be both powerful and triumphant. It will be a time of sorrow for those who did not believe in Him and a time of rejoicing for us, His Bride. Jesus is coming back in all His glory, lovesick for those who have been brought into His fold by faith. You see, He’s coming back for you because He loves you. He longs for the day when you can be with Him, face to face, held back by nothing. He’s so overjoyed to walk in relationship with you right now, but like you, He longs for something greater. Like a bridegroom patiently awaits the marriage ceremony, He’s waiting, expectant for what is to come.

It’s His love that is our source of hope. It’s His desire for our final restoration to Him that is meant to give us cause for joy here on earth. What you’ve known of life thus far is not all there is. What you’ve experienced of God is just a drop in the vast ocean of His loving kindness. Jesus says in John 14:2-3 (ESV), “In My Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to Myself, that where I am you may be also.” He desperately wants you to be where He is. If you are a believer, He’s promised that you have a place in His Kingdom. You can have hope here that all the suffering, trials, temptations and heartache you’ve experienced on earth will pass away with His return. Written within His promise to return is His promise of a life lived free from all the destruction sin has caused.

We’re meant for relationship with our Savior both here and in the age to come. He’s made a way for us to experience Him both now and forever by His death and resurrection. Your greatest joy should come from this truth. Your highest calling is meant to be drawn from His promise of relationship. All of eternity hinges on His promise to return. And He who gave up His life for you will return to lead you to the Father.

Spend time in His presence today. Experience the very God who will return in all His glory. Live today in light of His promise, and experience the love and hope of your God who is faithful to bring to fruition all that He’s promised you.

— Craig Denison, First 15

For more information on First15 or to subscribe to get First15 in your inbox daily, visit first15.org/subscribe.

If you would like to submit a reader devotional, please email all submissions to
devotionals@sportsspectrum.com.

Click here for all Sports Spectrum Daily Devotionals

>> Subscribe to Sports Spectrum Magazine for more devotionals and stories where sports and faith connect <<