No one knows when Jesus Christ will return to Earth. That seems clear enough, but disregarding those words led to one of the most highly anticipated – and most disappointing – days in American history.

Behold, your king is coming to you; righteous and having salvation is he.

Zechariah 9:9

In the early 1800s, churches in the northeastern United States experienced one revival after another. These new believers had little theological education, but possessed great fervor. From their ranks rose William Miller of New York, who did a study of the prophesies in Daniel and concluded Christ would return on October 22, 1844. Enthusiasm for Jesus’ second coming was so great, prophetic charts were added alongside stock market listings in newspapers. When the big day came and passed without event, many Christians grew disillusioned. Unbelievers became cynical. The failed prediction became known as “The Great Disappointment.”

Today’s verse accurately foresaw the first coming of Jesus Christ. Your salvation is the anything-but-disappointing benefit of that initial arrival. As you remember God’s blessings on this Thanksgiving Day, look ahead to His second coming – whenever it is – and what it means to you and to America. Ask the Lord to move in your life with specific direction on how you can declare His love to your friends and neighbors this holiday season and beyond.

Recommended Reading: Colossians 3:1-14