come king, judge, love, god!
"When the Son of Man comes in His glory, escorted by all the angels of heaven, He will sit upon His royal throne, and all the nations will be assembled before Him." —Matthew 25:31-32
Over 2,500 years ago, Ezekiel prophesied: "As for you, my sheep, says the Lord God, I will judge between one sheep and another, between rams and goats" (Ez 34:17). This prophecy has been partly fulfilled several times throughout history. Jesus announced that it would be ultimately fulfilled at the end of the world when He comes again as the King of kings to judge the living and the dead (Mt 25:32).
On that last day, Jesus will say to some: "Come. You have My Father's blessing! Inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the creation of the world" (Mt 25:34). Others will hear the terrifying words: "Out of My sight, you condemned, into that everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels!" (Mt 25:41) This Last Judgment will be based on:
- primarily God's grace, mercy, and love,
- what we've done for the least of the brethren (Mt 25:40, 45),
- our repentance (see Mk 1:15),
- our faith (Eph 2.8), and
- our love (1 Cor 13:1-3; Mt 22:37-39).
In summary, King Jesus will judge us based on our doing of His Father's will (Mt 7:21) and whether we have lost our lives to be His disciples (Lk 9:24).
King Jesus is going to return to love and judge us. We don't know the day of His return (Mt 25:13). Therefore, it could be today. Are you ready for King Jesus' return? Are you looking forward to Judgment Day? (see 1 Jn 4:17) Come, King Jesus!
Prayer: Father, may I be with You as soon as possible.
Promise: "In Christ all will come to life again." —1 Cor 15:22
Praise: Praise our risen King, Judge, Savior, Lord, and God!
Nihil Obstat: Reverend Richard L. Klug, April 10, 2002
Imprimatur: †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, April 18, 2002