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Is He Worthy? – Jesus the Worthy One Will Return

December 22, 2024
Kelly Kinder
Kelly Kinder closes the “Is He Worthy?” series by showing how Jesus’ promised return fuels unshakable hope. Drawing from Isaiah’s prophecy and New Testament truths, Kelly reminds us that Christ’s victory over darkness secures our future. Embrace this steadfast anchor and stand firm in God’s promises.

In this final message of our “Is He Worthy?” series, Pastor Kelly Kinder guides us through a powerful reflection on biblical hope—especially the promise that Jesus, the worthy One, will return. Drawing from Isaiah’s prophetic words, Kelly shows how people living in darkness once glimpsed a great light: the sign of Emmanuel, God with us. This luminous thread of hope runs from the Old Testament into the New, culminating in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Life’s struggles can often feel like a submerged submarine tapping out a desperate question: “Is there any hope?” We’ve all faced disappointments—whether from small obstacles or deep, heart-wrenching losses—that make us wonder if there’s a way out. Yet Isaiah’s reminders of a coming Savior invite us to believe that God’s plan extends beyond present darkness. Kelly points out that Jesus, through His arrival and ultimate return, delivers a sure promise to overcome our despair and lead us to a glorious future.

Central to this hope is the idea of Christ’s second coming. As Titus 2:11-14 teaches, the same grace that brought salvation also trains us to live godly lives while waiting for our blessed hope—the appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ. This hope isn’t just optimistic thinking; it’s a “confident expectation of something better,” anchored in the unchanging character of God. Kelly highlights Hebrews 6:19, calling this hope “a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul,” one that doesn’t depend on circumstances but on God’s unwavering faithfulness.

Kelly notes that Christian hope is essential because it compels us not to give up, calls us to grow in godliness, inspires real joy, and teaches us to wait for God’s best. In other words, hope shapes how we navigate every storm. When life’s waves threaten to drown us, biblical hope reminds us that we can trust the One who defeated death and darkness on our behalf. Our tragedies and trials, viewed through this lens, become opportunities to see God’s redemptive work shaping us more into Christ’s image.

Isaiah foresaw the birth of the Messiah, and Kelly reminds us that through Jesus, God’s promise is not just a past event—it’s also our future. Because we have this assurance, we can face uncertain times with courage and purpose. The strength of hope lies not in our own efforts but in the resurrection power of Jesus, who conquered the grave. As 1 Corinthians 15:19 warns, if our hope in Christ is only for this life, we are to be pitied. Instead, we look toward eternity, longing for Christ’s return and trusting His promise that one day all darkness will be defeated for good.

During the Christmas season, this promise takes on even greater significance. It’s a time to remember how God stepped into human history as a light shining in the darkness. As Kelly emphasizes, Jesus’ worthiness is evident in His sacrificial love and victory over sin, and His worthiness is what assures us that He will return to set everything right. When we ground ourselves in that hope, we discover that even our deepest disappointments cannot overshadow God’s glory. The same Lord who appeared in grace will appear again in glory, fulfilling every promise.

In Lamentations 3:21-25, Scripture reminds us that God’s mercies are new every morning. This speaks directly to our need for hope and sustenance when life feels overwhelming. Because God’s character does not change, our hope remains unshaken by shifting circumstances. By holding fast to His unbreakable promises, we find both refuge and renewal. It’s in such moments that we realize hope is more than wishful thinking; it’s the posture of a heart anchored in a faithful, unchanging God.

As the “Is He Worthy?” series concludes, we’re invited to let this theme of hope carry us forward. Reflect on the light Isaiah promised, on Christ’s future return, and on the difference genuine hope makes in our day-to-day living. Kelly urges us to embrace the truth that when we rely on God’s promises, we can’t be disappointed. We learn to persevere, to love well, and to wait expectantly for a King who has already proven His worth. No matter how deep our darkness may seem, Jesus, the worthy One, is set to return in glory—victorious, faithful, and ready to redeem every broken thing.