GETTING READY FOR HIS APPEARING

For you yourselves know full well that the day of the Lord will come just like a thief in the night.  I Thess. 5:2

One of the challenges with biblical prophecy is this; I know that hundreds of biblical prophecies, given in the Old Testament, were perfectly fulfilled in the life of Jesus, yet that can seem far removed from me emotionally.  I wasn’t alive, standing in His presence when Jesus said, “I’m coming again.  Get ready.” If I had been there, it would be easier to feel connected to Jesus’ words.

I do believe that I am living in the vicinity of the last days.  I’m watching the book of Daniel and Revelation unfold, and it seems, at fast speed.  Never has there been, in my lifetime, such a rush of bad news.  Today, Moscow fires (started by lightning) are claiming the lives of 700 a day.  Landslides in the Gansu Province of China have claimed even more lives as 1300 are missing.  No matter where on the globe you look, hard times are escalating.  Since I can know the season, but not the day nor the hour of Christ’s return, no one can guarantee that He will come in their lifetime but I’m not alone in the consensus of Bible teachers that our time is short.

What does it mean for me to get ready?

• I wean myself off of earth.  I adjust my expectations that life here is going to be easy, or get easier, and place all my hopes in Christ.  I simplify my life, take stock of my time, and prayerfully discern how to make my remaining time here count.
• I assess my relationship with Jesus.  Are there any strained places that I need to address?  Has the Gospel made me stumble?  When Jesus appears, will I be embarrassed in any way?  Are there things I hold against Him that I need to work through?
• I deal severely with my own sin.  I want to be the spotless bride who receives her groom without reservation.  I keep short accounts, repent often, and live in the joy of forgiveness.  Though I am aware of my sin, I rejoice in the provision of the cross.
• I re-commit myself to prayer for those who are not ready, knowing that their chances to embrace Christ may be coming to a close.  I ask God to water the seeds that I, and others, have planted.  I ask Him to open the door for new conversations about the Gospel; not forcing them, not neglecting them.

I have spent some time grieving for my grandsons, for the kind of world they live in, for the real possibility that their lives could be short.  But then, it dawned on me.  If Jesus comes back when they are just small boys, they are immediately taken into heaven.  This is bad news?  Whereas so many have been subjected to the pangs of this earth for 50, 70, even 90 years, our children could very well live only a half-dozen years in this fallen place.  This is a gift, not a tragedy.

What a privilege to live in these times when the need for God’s light is so great.  We, including our children, get to see the magnificent light of His glory showcased amidst the darkest backdrop of sin.  Any other theatre pales to the drama we witness by the hour.

Even so come, Lord Jesus.  Amen