Jesus Christ’s Return

Jesus Christ’s Return

His return is presented in various, harmonious ways. For example, in verse 27 it says that the coming of the Son of Man will be like lightning that comes from the east and flashes to the west, so that we do not have to be in a certain place to meet Him.

Just as lightning shines right through bedding, floor, and walls all at the same time, so Christ will in one moment find each single one whom He will fetch, whether he is inside or in the open air, whether he is in bed or in the basement, or deep down under the ground.

The illustration in verse 28 is very significant and serious: “For wherever the carcass is, there the eagles will be gathered together.” In this allegory the eagles denote Christ, and the carcass is we whom He will fetch. He did not use this illustration by chance! The Bridegroom comes at midnight, when it is dark. See also Amos 5:18 and 20. The eagle’s scent is very keen, just like his vision, so he can find the carcass without difficulty in the dead of night and descend to just the right spot—wherever it might be—in order to carry the prey away on his strong wings. The odor will indicate where the carcass is to be found.

Where does Christ come? He comes to where the “carcass” is! Who can expect to be with Him? Everyone who is the “carcass.” What this means is undeniably easy to understand. Converted and unconverted people, sages and fools can easily discern the meaning. The difficulty is not in understanding the state in which God wants to have us, but to get to that state.

What can one say about the carcass? It has lost its life, its will, etc. A death has occurred. In this sense of the word, a “carcass” is everyone who gives up his own will, who sanctifies Christ as Lord in his heart, who obeys the Word, who is a complete sacrifice on God’s altar, who is crucified with Christ, who is dead with Him and set apart from and separated from everything that is impure. Gal. 2:20.

May we all follow the exhortation in verse 44: “Therefore you also be ready . . . .” Who is ready? Everyone who is like a carcass!