* Addendum: For many years I have read this 23
rd verse of Matthew 10 and it always left me in fear I have somehow misunderstood or even missed out on the second coming of Christ; as this scripture
[at first glance] seems to imply Christ should have returned as King two thousand years ago. (
Rev 21:1-4;
1 Cor 15:12-28) As he said, while his disciples were still finishing up their preaching work in the towns of ancient Israel. Note, however, this verse doesn't actually mention his "return," but specifically refers to his "coming" as "Son of Man." This verse is speaking about the resurrected Christ appearing in the presence of his Father in heaven to present his sacrifice as Son of Man. I just found some scriptures that help me understand how this verse is true, and also put my mind at ease. As
Daniel 7:8 CEV tells us:
"But God Most High will give his kingdom to his
chosen ones, and it will be theirs forever and ever." (
Luke 1:30-33)
God gave his earthly Kingdom to the holy ones when Christ was resurrected and presented himself before his Father in heaven. (
1 Cor 15:12-28) And, Christ was resurrected into heaven during the first century. (
John 12:27-36;
Acts 5:30 of 27-32;
Dan 7:13-14) God even told Jesus followers that his coming into God's presence was just the beginning of Jesus's Kingdom, and that he would "return" to his followers at a later date
[about 2000 years later]. (
Acts 1:9-11)
As
Daniel 7:21-22 CEV continues:
"While I was looking, this horn
[representing the counterfeit and temporary earthly kingdoms of Satan] attacked God's chosen ones and was winning the battle
[probably referring to Satan's attack on the earthly followers of Christ during the dark ages]. (22) Then God Most High, the Eternal God, came and judged in favor of his
chosen ones, because the time had arrived for them to be given the kingdom."
So, Satan has been trying to destroy the Kingdom of Christ since shortly after Adam was created. (
Gen 3:15) His efforts have continued and increased during the 2000 years since Christ was resurrected as "Son of Man"
[since his Kingdom was established], Jesus now alive in the presence of his Father. Finally
[finally from my perspective], after Christ subduing in the midst of his enemies for those 2000 years, (
Psa 110:1-3) all is prepared and the time has arrived for
יהוה to establish the full authority of Christ and his
followers in the Kingdom of the earth. (
Rev 21:1-4)
Finally,
Daniel 7:27-28 ESV relates:
"And the kingdom and the dominion and the greatness of the kingdoms under the whole heaven shall be given to the people of the
saints of the Most High; (
Rev 21:1-4) their kingdom shall be an everlasting kingdom, and all dominions shall serve and obey them. (28)
Here is the end of the matter. As for me, Daniel, my thoughts greatly alarmed me, and my color changed, but I kept the matter in my heart."
So, you see, the return of "Son of Man" has been a two thousand year process. It did start when Christ was resurrected, and while his disciples were still preaching to those ancient cities of Jerusalem. Then, too, we
[his modern day faithful disciples] are still preaching the good news of the Kingdom. (
Gal 3:26-29) It is also, of course, very
bad news for those who have refused to become friends of Christ. (
John 15:11-15;
Mal 3:16-4:3)