In the first advent, Jesus was killed by evil. In the second advent, Jesus will defeat evil forever.
Meditate
The story of the first advent is one of divine humility—of God entering a world steeped in darkness and willingly taking on its brokenness. Jesus came not to stand apart from the pain of humanity but to step directly into it. The One through whom all things were made was born among the poor, suffered injustice, and ultimately was killed by evil men. The cross reveals the extent of God’s identification with us: He entered the curse so that He could break it from within. In His suffering and death, Jesus absorbed the full weight of sin’s power and, through His resurrection, declared that evil’s reign was temporary.
But the second advent tells a different part of the story. Revelation 19:6–21 gives us a breathtaking vision of the returning Christ—not as the suffering servant, but as the conquering King. Heaven opens, and John sees a white horse whose rider is called Faithful and True. His eyes are like fire, His robe is dipped in blood, and on His head are many crowns. This is the Jesus who comes to finish what began at the cross. In His first advent, He was killed by evil; in His second, He comes to destroy evil forever. He is the justice-bringing warrior King, the Lion of Judah who judges in righteousness and truth. Every wrong will be accounted for; every injustice will meet its end.
This vision is both warning and comfort. For those who reject Him, it is a warning that no deed escapes His sight and no word goes unheard—He is the perfect judge who knows all things. But for those who belong to Him, it is a deep comfort. The penalty for sin has already been paid. On the day of His return, we will ride with Him, not face His judgment. The King who once carried the cross will now carry the sword of justice, and every tear, every cry for fairness, will finally find its answer.
The first advent teaches us that God’s justice begins with mercy. Before He came to destroy evil, He came to rescue those trapped in it. The manger, the cross, and the empty tomb remind us that His heart is patient, not wanting any to perish but all to come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9). Yet His patience is not weakness—it is grace. One day soon, the waiting will end, and every evil that mocked His goodness will be silenced.
As we wait for the second advent, may the first fill us with gratitude and hope. The Lamb who was slain is also the Lion who reigns. He came once to be pierced by evil, and He will come again to pierce through evil itself. Until that day, we live between the cross and the crown, confident that the justice of God will have the final word—and that word will be Jesus.
Study
- John 1:1-14
- Revelation 19:6-21
- Isaiah 63:1-6
- 2 Peter 3:9
Pray
Lord Jesus,
We worship You as both the Lamb who was slain and the Lion who will return in power. You came once in humility, stepping into our brokenness, bearing our sin, and allowing evil to strike You down so that we might live. Thank You for entering our pain, for carrying our curse, and for defeating death from within. We are in awe of the love that led You to the cross and the grace that still covers us today.
But, Lord, we also look forward to the day when You will come again—not as a suffering servant, but as the conquering King. You will ride in righteousness, bringing perfect justice, and evil will finally be destroyed forever. Thank You for the promise that every injustice will be made right, that no pain will go unhealed, and that no darkness will remain when Your light fills the earth.
Until that day, give us endurance as we wait. Teach us to trust Your timing and to live as people of both mercy and courage. Help us to remember that You are not slow to keep Your promise but patient—giving the world time to turn back to You. Strengthen our faith, Lord, and keep our hearts steadfast in hope.
Come quickly, Jesus—our Savior, our King, our Victor.
Amen.
Listen
- King of Kings – Seph Schlueter, Essential Worship
- Hope Has Come (Behold Him) – Red Rocks Worship
- Light of the World – We the Kingdom
- Here Comes Heaven – Elevation Worship
- O Come, O Come Emmanuel – Austin Stone Worship