Ancient Words For Today - 36
If you received advanced knowledge that Jesus was going to return at noon tomorrow, would it cause you to, in any way, change the things you are doing or to reorder your priorities? Would you be caught off guard and need to scurry about trying to accomplish some important business that you had put off (or hadn't planned to do at all) so that everything would be in order and ready for His coming? Or would you be able to continue to follow along the good path you already were on, and be excited about meeting Him?
These are questions we all should evaluate periodically to assure that we are staying on track and will not be ashamed when the Lord returns, as He promised. Perhaps, if we looked carefully, we might find some dirt or unwholesome things in our home that would be an embarrassment to us, and we would quickly try to clean up the house to make it sparkle. Or maybe we would see some sinful habits or behaviors in our lives and seek to change our ways to avoid being ashamed when the Lord makes His appearance. We might remember loved ones, friends, and neighbors that don't know the Lord Jesus as their Savior and run out to tell them that the Lord is coming and share the gospel with them so that they could be ready to meet their Maker. But would we be able to reach all the lost souls we know in such a short time and answer their questions, if they would even listen to us? Or perhaps we would remember others with pressing needs and try to help meet their needs because the Lord has met our needs so faithfully and has called us to do likewise. Would there be enough time for us to do all these things?
We don't know the day or the hour, but we do know that the King is coming! It may be that we will be alive on the day the Lord returns for his Church or perhaps He will call some of us home individually, on the day appointed by God for us to be received into heaven. So, not knowing when we will meet the Lord, it is important that we always be prepared, engaged in His work and fully ready to meet Him when that day arrives.
The best way to be prepared is to be walking closely with the Lord and doing those things He has shown us to do. We should ask the Lord to show us anything in our life that is unholy or unprofitable and to help us eliminate it and replace it with good and wholesome things instead. We can also ask Him to lead us along the path that He has chosen for us, using the tools and resources He has provided us with to accomplish His plans for our life. Another important activity is for us to spend time fellowshipping with other Christians, and discussing with them our ideas and seeking the Lord's will with them in prayer.
Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting Psalm 139:23-24
Let's resolve to live each day of our lives in ways that are pleasing to and honor our Heavenly Father and Jesus, our King.
The King is Coming! Prepare ye to meet Him!