“…while we wait for the blessed hope and appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ.” [Titus 2:13 HCSB]
Paul in Titus 2:11 reminded us of the appearance (the epiphainó) of God’s grace for salvation for all people. That epiphany, a moment in which we suddenly see or understand something in a new or very clear way, came through Christ Jesus our Savior. The grace of God that was often cloaked in the Old Testament became very clear in the New when God sent His Precious Son to our earth to redeem us.
Paul goes on now to remind us of another appearing. The word is “epiphaneia” and it means appearing, manifestation, glorious display. We are now waiting for this appearing. It is our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus.
We wait now. Amid the difficulties of life, grace enables us to wait for that promise given in Acts 1:11 when Jesus ascended into heaven: “This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven.” [HCSB]
This same Jesus who brought grace at His first appearance will one day appear again bringing the blessed hope and glory that God has promised. The assurance of that promise that Jesus will not only return but will return in glory and set everything right under the authority of the King brings comfort now.
Even so, give us grace to wait for Your return, LORD.
