Ready, Set…
Do you find yourself saying ‘wow, it’s Friday again’ – or Monday or whatever day? Seems like time moves at warp speed. I can barely remember three days ago, so much happens.
Maybe it’s because our world is ‘bigger’ now. Used to be we heard the local news and some of our country’s news. Now we know when a flood happens on a far away continent and are face to face with all the fearful and hard stuff experienced around the world. No time to catch our breath before the next story – good or bad – is made known to us.
Some thoughts have slowly been taking shape. But the Source of all knowledge helps with perspective. Jesus spoke eight words about how it would be before He returns, and we overlook them, but they carry great weight: “See, I have told you ahead of time.” (Matthew 24:25 NIV)
He made clear all about the days that would precede His second coming. Leaving out one thing: w-h-e-n He would return. Knowing us as thoroughly as He does, it’s no wonder God didn’t have Him share that. We are so inclined to live for self, always thinking we have tomorrow. Then we find ourselves in a pickle and call out for help.
Perhaps His intent was that we live in expectation. Over and over He said things like (paraphrase): as you see the Day approaching, be ready, keep watch, always be prepared. In the final words shared with us in the last book of the Bible, in the last chapter is the why: “Listen!” says Jesus. “I am coming soon!” (Revelation 22:12a GNT)
Times have been hard since Adam and Eve first left Eden. I’m sure all generations have wondered if this was the time of Christ’s return. And so it is with those alive now. The evil of man doesn’t seem like it can get worse – and now it’s flaunted. These days we see evil called good and good called evil.
And we cry out ‘Come, Lord Jesus, only You can help us now’.
Yet, so great is God’s faithfulness that we still take our next breath, see the sun rise, rejoice over a toddler’s wobbly steps, and still have hope. “Three things will last forever—faith, hope, and love—and the greatest of these is love.” (1Corinthians 13:13 NLT) Faith is His gift to us, hope is the anchor for our soul, and His love for us, in us, and through us never fails. Ready?
parisrenae 
The ability to even have hope is a gift in itself! We often fail to realize that. May I not take it for granted today, but thank God for the gift of hope.
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That is so true – and a great gift – right there with you, don’t want to take for granted any of His amazing love!
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I remember a church song with the lyrics, “Get ready, get ready” about Jesus and His return. It’s hard to wrap our heads around how fast time goes by and yet a day is like a thousand days to the Lord. But, in the end, I want to be ready when Christ comes back.
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Yes, ready, at any given moment – only by His grace is that even possible. Blessings as you stay ready and help others get ready…
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Thank you for the reminder, that we all need to check our perspective and keep our focus on the Lord. Tune in Thursday #9
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It’s a life long process to work on keeping that eternal perspective and not be weighed down with the things of earth. Blessings as you live expectantly…
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