Jesus' first coming lacked external power and show, but its hidden strength tested many. Herod and all Jerusalem were troubled by the news of His birth. Even those who claimed to wait for Him exposed their false hopes by rejecting Him when He arrived. His life was a winnowing fan that tested the truth of religious professions, and few passed the test.

What will His second coming be like? Can any sinner bear to think of it? "He shall strike the earth with His mouth, and with His breath slay the wicked." When He humbly told the soldiers, "I am He," they fell back. How much greater will the terror be when He fully reveals Himself as the "I am"? His death shook the earth and darkened the skies. What will it be like when the living Savior calls everyone to account?

We should be moved to forsake sin and honor the Son to avoid His anger. Though gentle as a lamb, He is the lion of Judah who tears His enemies. Even if He doesn't break the bruised reed, He will break His foes with an iron rod. None of them can stand against His wrath or escape His judgment.

Yet, His blood-washed people look forward to His coming with joy, confident they will stand. He refines them now, and they will emerge as gold. Let's examine ourselves today, confirming our faith, so the Lord's coming holds no fear. May we have grace to abandon hypocrisy and be sincere and blameless when He appears.