Jesus' Last Promise 

Intro

Sixty-five years ago was not a peaceful time. The commander of the US forces in the Far East was forced to retreat from his post, but uttered the memorable words, “I shall return.” I’ll be back in a moment with the prophetic perspective of Prophecy’s Parting Words.

Message

Hello, this is Cody Francis with Prophetic Perspectives. It was, of course, none other than General Douglas MacArthur who made the parting promise to the Pilipino people, “I shall return.” He was taken by torpedo submarine from the rocky fortress of Corregidor island past the Japanese forces and finally landed in Australia. Those three simple words became the “remember the Alamao” of the Pacific front. One clandestine military propaganda operation was to print those three words with General MacArthur’s signature on cigarette packages which were then smuggled into and distributed throughout the Philippines. Having been to the Philippines and spent a week out on Corrigidor island itself, I know how much those words meant to the Pilipino people. Although MacArthur was required to leave his men to resist the Japanese alone, he did not forget and on October 20, 1944, he landed on Philippine soil again. But MacArthur was not the only one to leave a parting promise of his return. There is a parting promise infinitely more weighty than that World War II promise and it is Jesus Last Prophetic Promise. What is this parting promise and how does it affect us today?

Outline

I.        Jesus’ ringing promise

A.     To His disciples – John 14:1-3

1.      Hopes about to be crushed

2.      Poor men w/nothing in the world to lose everything – Jesus

B.     Parting Promise – Acts 1:9-11

1.      Bated breath as Jesus rose higher, gazing into heaven

2.      Angels repeat Jesus final promise

C.     Prophecy’s Last Promise – Rev. 22:7, 12, 20

1.      3 times, last book & chapter: I am coming

2.      Theme of NT & Bible – Jesus is coming again!

a.       Enoch preached it – Jude 14

b.      Jesus taught again & again

1)      Parable Talents – Master returning

2)      Sheep & Goats – Son of Man comes in glory – Matt. 25:31

3)      Only message to Priests – Matt. 26:64

c.       Burden of apostolic message – Acts 3:19, 20

d.      1:25; 300+ in NT

D.     Promise & theme NOT you’ll be raptured, but Jesus Coming!

II.     Jesus appeal

A.     Must be looking for it – Titus 2:13, 14

B.     Holy conduct & godliness – 2 Peter 3:11, 12

C.     Jesus is waiting, waiting for you? – 2 Peter 3:9

D.     Praying for it – Rev. 22:20

Conclusion:

I.        Jesus parting promise, like MacArthur – “I shall return.”

A.     Hardship, difficulty, occupation, finally MacArthur came

B.     Difficulties waiting for Jesus, but He is coming

C.     Are we ready? What if were today?

II.     Determine to be ready for when Jesus returns?