In Those Days - Pt. 2

 

[Jesus said] “Therefore, stay awake, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming. But know this, that if the master of the house had known in what part of the night the thief was coming, he would have stayed awake and would not have let his house be broken into. Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.” (Matthew 24:42-44 ESV).

 

The giant Jesus on Interstate 75 is bigger than the “Hell is Real” billboard on I-71, and much fancier than the “I need U Jesus” on Route 56 in central Ohio. But the message of America’s roadside evangelists is the same. Several years ago, during the war in the Persian Gulf, a bill-board along a major highway read, “Be ready! Jesus is coming soon!” Many Christians were absolutely convinced that Jesus was about to come back. Time magazine wrote at that time that millions of Americans were preoccupied with the end of the world. It seems that preoccupation has intensified during the last year. Perhaps that is of value to all of us. Perhaps this is a means through which some might be called to readiness for the end of days.

 

I have often heard people remark that it would be “wonderful” if Jesus came back today. Those kinds of comments bring a mixed reaction to me. When I was younger I wasn’t so sure that I wanted Jesus to come back right away. I wanted to live life. I had so many things I wanted to experience and my feeling was that Jesus’ second coming would put an end to all that. Today, I am torn between those same thoughts and the wonder of being in heaven.

 

Regardless of whether we pray for Jesus’ coming or we expect him to come soon, one thing is sure: HE WILL RETURN. Whether the billboards and road signs do any good in bringing change in the minds of men or not, they ought to remind us that we must be ready. Our reading today clearly warns us of the need for preparation. Without sounding like a doomsday prepper, encouraging you to build a safety shelter, and stocking it with food and supplies for the coming cataclysm, I can say we must be spiritually prepared. The Bible leaves no doubt that someday the Lord Jesus will come back on the clouds of heaven. And when he does, all who believe in him will live with him forever and ever. That is the only necessary preparations. Be wise, believe in Jesus. Then you will be ready for that day.

 

Join me in being alert. Pray for strength and wisdom in these chaotic days. Welcome the coming of Jesus with me whenever He comes!