One thing that most all of us know is that preparation prevents panic.
This is true physically, mentally, financially, and of course, spiritually. It
is the clear teaching of the New Testament that Jesus is coming back. In fact,
over 50 times Christians are encouraged to be ready, prepared, and alert for
His return. In several of the New Testament books entire chapters are devoted
to the details of this event. The truth is that Jesus is coming again! I
believe it. And, I believe it ought to be preached as a constant reminder, lest
we become complacent. Matthew 24:36 “No one knows the day or the hour, not even
the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father knows.” Verse 42 says
“Therefore, keep watch!”
In 1st Corinthians 15:51 the Apostle Paul says “Listen, I
tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed - in a
flash, in the twinkling of an eye…” The
only thing we can do is be prepared at all times, keeping watch, while we wait
for this blessed hope. Titus 2:11 says “For the grace of God that brings
salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say “no” to ungodliness and
worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in this
present age, while we wait for the blessed hope; the glorious appearing of our
great God and Savior.” If we knew not the day or the hour, but we knew Jesus
would come in 2013, how would we live differently? All of the Parables Jesus
told relating to the end times concerned the fact that we ought to be prepared.
There is a story of a young couples first date. She was expecting him at a certain hour, and she was dressed up, waiting patiently. He, however, was an hour late. She figured she had been stood up, so she took off her makeup, put on her pajamas, gathered all the junk food in the house, and sat down to watch T.V. with the dog. As her favorite show was coming on, the doorbell rang. Sure enough, it was him. He stared at her wide eyed and said: “I’m two hours late and you’re still not ready!” Make no mistake, Jesus is coming again! Let’s stop looking for “signs” and start preparing, waiting, and watching for Jesus “the author and the perfector of our faith”…For He will come, no matter what’s going on in our world.
There is a wide spectrum of extremes concerning this subject of Christ’s return. Ranging from those who have no concern or are indifferent to the subject, to those who see “end times” and read prophecy into news events and disasters all over the world. God’s timetable of events is hidden to us. That means that the return of Christ will surprise believers as well as an unbelieving and skeptical world. Our present task is to work for the kingdom of God as if it is a century off…but, be ready as if He should return “in the twinkling of an eye.” R. U. prepared?
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