Readiness

“And, behold, I come quickly; and My reward is with Me…” Revelation 22:12

Dear Ones:

It has been over two thousand years since the Apostle John penned these words of Christ.  Many have said since then that this “hope of His coming” will never be realized, and that the mention of the “day of His coming,” is just a lie.  I would contend that those who say such things would be correct in their reasoning IF Christ were just a man, and not God, the Eternal Son of God.  Here is what makes these words, and the message behind them, so very pertinent and powerful:  “For a thousand years in Thy sight are but as yesterday when it is past, and as a watch in the night.” (Ps. 90:4)  When Habakkuk had his vision of the impending judgement that was to come upon Israel, the Lord told him:  “For the vision is yet FOR AN APPOINTED time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will SURELY come, it will not tarry.” (2:2)  After the resurrection, Jesus was speaking with his disciples, who wanted to know if it “…was at this time that the kingdom of Israel would be restored?” (Acts 1:6)  To this question the Lord would answer:  “It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in His own power.” (v.7)  The overriding issue here concerning Christ’s coming is His sovereignty, His possession of the power and authority to bring about His will, His way, and in His time, regardless of the rise and fall of nations, cultures, civilizations, even individuals.  The fact that Christ is eternal gives us pause to understand that He created the matter of “time.”  He is the Lord of time.  For us, there are two things to clearly consider when looking at the issue of His second coming:  First, there is the promise.  God has declared what He will do.  Secondly, He has reserved the right to know when and how that second coming will be.  He would not have us concentrate so much on the event, as He would His Person. The emphasis is on living in the present moment in living, vibrant fellowship with Him.  Yes, there is that “day” of which Paul speaks, that is coming.  But, TODAY is the day of salvation on this earth, a day to know and love Christ, believing Him for the FULL out-working of His will and purpose. How then are we to live, in light of the certainty of His second coming, but knowing that TODAY is a day of salvation?

We are not all called to be preachers of the Gospel, pastors, or even missionaries.  But, we are all called to be ready, living in the expectation of going to be with Christ.  How is this to be?  When Joseph and Daniel were in foreign countries, they learned the great lessons of serving God where they were, in the duties that were at hand.  Both men were faithful, and wise, serving God primarily, and then serving men.  When Paul wrote his first letter to the Thessalonians, he did so, addressing the issue of “…the day of the Lord.” (1 Thess. 5:2)  He wrote to the believers that they should be, “…watchful and sober.” (v.6)  But this was only possible as they, day by day, learned to, “Rejoice evermore.  Pray without ceasing.  In everything give thanks.” (v.16-18)  Why?  Not only was it the “will of God for them in Christ Jesus,” but in doing so, they would be enabled to look upward, not only to be inspired by the motivation from the vision of Christ, but strengthened in their hearts to believe Him for the impossible thing….in the present moment, where they lived, in that which they were engaged in for Jesus’ sake.  If they would live in the perspective of Christ’s coming, living in the TODAY of present blessing, then they must be looking upward, living in the expectation of His direction and provision.

Dear Father, open our eyes to see and to understand that Thy Son is not only at the door, but in our hearts.  Give us to see the wonderful reality that He IS with us, and has called us to fellowship in this present time, in readiness, serving Him, waiting for that day when faith will be sight, and we shall be changed..  We thank and praise Thee, In Jesus’ name, amen.

Love, Dad