Mar
06 |
“Get Ready, Here He Comes”
Howard Peterson |
|
Listen |
|
|
Mark 13:26-27, 32-36--"At that time men will see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory. 27And he will send his angels and gather his elect from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of the heavens… 32"No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. 33Be on guard! Be alert! You do not know when that time will come. 34It's like a man going away: He leaves his house and puts his servants in charge, each with his assigned task, and tells the one at the door to keep watch. 35"Therefore keep watch because you do not know when the owner of the house will come back—whether in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or at dawn. 36If he comes suddenly, do not let him find you sleeping. 37What I say to you, I say to everyone: 'Watch!' " |
|
Inquire |
|
|
I recall the childhood anticipation of waiting on the curb or looking out the window for the popsicle man. I knew he was coming, I could hear the music from the truck in the distance, but I wasn’t sure exactly when he would reach my house. I waited anxiously with money in hand, knowing when he finally arrived I would experience the pleasure I had awaited. There were times I grew restless waiting, got distracted by something fun, and missed the popsicle truck altogether. It was difficult to watch my neighborhood friends delighting in ice cream while I had none. If only I had waited a little more patiently. Well, no Dreamsicle, or Bombpop, or even a Drumstick can compare to the pleasure that awaits those whose trust is in Christ, those who do not become restless and place their focus elsewhere. No matter how wonderful you envision the pleasure of Heaven, it’s even better. |
|
Faith |
|
|
Try to visualize Jesus returning to gather his elect, all who have accepted him as Savior. Picture angels raising Jesus’ kingdom into the sky. Try to imagine the feeling of effortlessly soaring into the heavens with full awareness that your destination is Heaven. What an incredible thought! Jesus promised us that the event would take place, he just didn’t tell us when. He told us to watch! He told us to be on guard and alert. Be ready, be prepared. Now imagine looking down at those who are left behind, those who won’t enjoy eternity. Do you picture anyone you could have helped prepare? Don’t let them miss the eternal pleasures. |
|
Experience |
|
|
Father God, thank you for the promise of eternal life through your Son Jesus. Help me to stay prepared for His return and guide me in preparing others. Amen
|
|