Read Titus 2

“…looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ…” (Titus 2:13)

This verse speaks of anticipation. Our salvation in Christ automatically comes with future expectation of what's to come. This phrase “looking for” might best be understood by observing the excitement a child has for Christmas morning to arrive. In fact, the original Greek word carries that exact idea.

It’s the same word used by Jesus when He taught the parable of the expectant steward. Paul may have even extracted this word for that very reason in our verse. Listen to Christ’s teaching —

“Let your waist be girded and your lamps burning; and you yourselves be like men who wait for their master, when he will return from the wedding, that when he comes and knocks they may open to him immediately.” (Luke 12:35–36)

In the same way, this is how our Lord Jesus intended our Christian life to be lived — a life full of excitement and expectation of His coming. Doesn't it arouse your soul to think that Christ could arrive any moment? — and that when He does it will change everything?

Paul goes on to further describe our expectation by titling it “The Blessed Hope.” That is, more literally, The Happy Hope. The whole occasion is meant to make us happy! Christ’s return is a day of happiness, joy and celebration, for then our transformation and resurrection will be complete!

Here is how Paul describes it to the church at Philippi —

“For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself.” (Philippians 3:20–21)

Sadly, I fear that this Blessed Hope has been shuffled into the back pocket of Christianity, and many have lost sight of it. As a result, many have lost a portion of the divine happiness God intended for them to enjoy. But if we will simply look for The Blessed Hope of His coming, as overly basic as it may seem, it has extraordinary power to draw us closer to Christ and grow us spiritually.

Anticipating the Lord’s coming awakens us to the priority of living by the Spirit, and not living idly in the flesh (see Romans 13:11-12). It calls us to a great life of holiness in Him (see 1 John 3:2-3). It helps us endure present suffering (see Romans 8:18). It guards our devotion for Christ against other objects that try to take His place (see Jude 21). And it keeps us steadfast in the faith (see 2 Peter 3:17-18).

Beloved, are you living in expectation of this Blessed Hope? Is Christ’s soon return a vital part of your joy? If not — dare I say — you are living a life that is disconnected from the central veins of the Gospel. Return to this Happy Hope! Let Christ’s coming fill you with awe, reverence and eternal mindedness! For in doing so you will not only find a wonderful source of happiness, but also a relentless perseverance for this life.

“He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming quickly.” Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus!” (Revelation 22:20)

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