“And there will be signs in sun and moon and stars, and on the earth distress of nations in perplexity because of the roaring of the sea and the waves, people fainting with fear and with foreboding of what is coming on the world. For the powers of the heavens will be shaken. And then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. Now when these things begin to take place, straighten up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.” (Luke 21:25-28)
The second coming of Jesus sounds terrifying, and it is - some people will be fainting with fear. But it's not terrifying for those that know Jesus. In the midst of the signs in the sun, moon and stars, the distress of nations, the roaring of the sea, the fear, perplexity and foreboding, we can stand and look up. We look at Jesus' return with hope and confidence, not fear, because we know he's not coming to destroy us but to redeem us.