Return of the King: Why We Can't Wait to Follow Jesus
By Jonathan Bissig, Olathe Campus Pastor
There's a moment in the Old Testament that feels strangely familiar today. In 2 Samuel 19, King David returns to his kingdom after a painful season of rebellion led by his son, Absalom. The people who once turned their backs on David suddenly scramble to return to his good side. Some people had regrets, others tried to cover up their disloyalty. A few had stayed faithful the whole time, quietly waiting for the King to return.
It's hard to miss the parallel: Jesus, our true King, is also returning. And just like the people in David's day, we're all making daily choices-consciously or not-about how we'll relate to Him.
Will we follow Him now, or wait until it's too late?
The Return We're All Waiting For
After rising from the dead, Jesus spent 40 days teaching His disciples about the Kingdom of God. Then came what we now celebrate as Ascension Day-when Jesus ascended into heaven before their eyes (Acts 1:9-11). But He didn't leave them with silence, he left them with a promise.
"This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come in the same way that you have seen him going into heaven." - Acts 1:11 (CSB) Jesus' return is not a metaphor or a myth. It's the next great event on God's calendar. And while we don't know when it will happen, we do know this: when He returns, it won't be the time to start following Him-it'll be the time to be found already faithful.
His Miracles Were a Preview of His Kingdom
When we look at the life of Jesus, it's clear that He wasn't just here to teach or inspire. He came to reveal what the Kingdom of God looks like-and what kind of King He is. Through His miracles, we see glimpses of that coming kingdom and signs of His true identity.
1. Turning Water into Wine (John 2:1-11)
At a wedding in Cana, Jesus' first miracle wasn't flashy or dramatic. He turned water into wine to rescue a family from embarrassment. But it was more than hospitality-it was symbolic. In Jewish culture, wine
represented joy and abundance. Jesus was saying, "This is what my Kingdom is like."
2. Healing a Paralyzed Man (Mark 2:1-12)
A man was lowered through the roof of a house for healing. Jesus told him, "Your sins are forgiven." People were shocked by this declaration, and then Jesus healed the man's body to prove His authority. The miracle revealed a more profound truth: Jesus came to heal our souls, not just our symptoms.
3. Calming a Storm (Mark 4:35-41)
In the middle of chaos, Jesus spoke three words: "Silence! Be still!" And just like that, the storm obeyed. His followers were terrified-not of the storm, but of the One who had power over it. This King isn't just kind-He's sovereign.
4. Feeding 5,000 People (John 6:1-14)
With five loaves and two fish, Jesus fed a crowd. But He wasn't just meeting hunger. He later told them, "I am the bread of life." He doesn't just give physical provision-He is the provision.
5. Raising Lazarus from the Dead (John 11:1-44)
Perhaps the most powerful miracle, Jesus stood at the grave of His friend and called him out. The message was unmistakable: "I am the resurrection and the life." Death bows to Him. And one day, it will be no more.
Back to 2 Samuel: When the King Returns
So what does all this have to do with 2 Samuel 19? A flurry of reactions marked David's return to Jerusalem. Some people had openly opposed him, like Shimei, who cursed him on his way out. They were begging for mercy (2 Samuel 19:16-23). Others, like Mephibosheth, had stayed loyal but been misrepresented. He's vindicated (vv. 24-30). Then there's Barzillai, an aging man who helped David in exile and now asks for nothing in return-to see the King's face again (vv. 31-39).
Each character paints a picture of how we might respond to Jesus. Shimei represents the last-minute scrambler who only comes around once they realize the King is really back.
Mephibosheth represents the quietly faithful who serve Jesus even when it costs something. Barzillai represents the humble friend who supports the King not for reward, but out of love. In contrast, the people of Israel are divided and distracted. They argue over who has more claim to the King, rather than simply submitting to him (vv. 40-43). It's a reminder that loyalty to the King shouldn't be delayed or debated-it should be daily.
Waiting to Follow Is a Dangerous Game
A lot of people live their spiritual lives on pause. Maybe you've thought, "I'll get serious about Jesus when I'm older," or "I'll figure out my faith when life settles down." But the return of Christ doesn't come with a countdown clock. When Jesus spoke about His return, He always emphasized readiness.
"You also must be ready, because the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect." - Matthew 24:44 (CSB). Spiritual procrastination is costly. Following Jesus is not just a safety net for the future-it's an invitation for a transformed life now.
Faithfulness Isn't Flashy-But It Matters
One of the most striking things in 2 Samuel 19 is how David recognizes the quiet loyalty of people like Mephibosheth and Barzillai. They weren't perfect, but they stayed faithful. They weren't trying to get ahead-they were trying to stay close to their King. And that's the heart of what I am trying to say: Following Jesus now matters more than we think. We're not waiting for Him to start being King. He already is. We're not waiting for Him to earn our trust. He already has. And we're not waiting for a sign to begin. The signs are already here.
How Do We Live Ready?
If Jesus is returning-and He is-how do we live in light of that?
Stay connected to His Word. It's the primary way He shapes our hearts.
Practice daily faithfulness. Obedience in the ordinary often matters more than we know.
Stay engaged in the local church. Christianity is not a solo sport.
Be generous with grace. Like David, the King who forgave even his enemies, we're called to reflect the heart of Jesus.
Live like today matters. Because it does.
Final Thought: Don't Wait Until He Returns
At the end of Revelation, Jesus says plainly: "Yes, I am coming soon." - Revelation 22:20 (CSB)
And our response, like the church throughout history, should be just as simple: "Jesus, help me be ready for your return." Let that be your prayer. Let that be your posture. Don't wait until you see Him coming.
Follow Him now.