God, I want to be ready to meet You face to face.
I want to live for You fully while on this Earth.
Help me to strengthen my faith, reflect Your image
and obey Your commandments.
Series: “Eyes to See and Ears to Hear”
Whether getting ready for work, school, grocery shopping, the gym or a doctor’s appointment, we usually know exactly what we need to do to prepare for each one. We probably won’t wear our workout clothes to our place of employment, unless, of course, we work at the gym. For every situation there are certain tools, clothes and equipment needed. Things go better if we take the time to organize and plan.
Have you ever had to give a presentation to a large group of people? What would happen if you didn’t study the material, make notes, and practice? Would you feel confident? Do you think your audience would be able to tell you had not prepped? In most instances I think we would want to be very certain of our credibility before we set foot in front of the crowd.
Can we “be ready” for everything? Even something we don’t know is happening? At times, circumstances sneak up on us and we feel ill equipped to handle the situation. We say things to ourselves like: if only I had paid more attention to the details; maybe if I asked more questions; or next time I will have my ducks in a row!
God’s word is very clear about how important it is for us to be ready for the most significant event of all – the second coming of Jesus Christ. Jesus teaches us about this in a parable detailed in Luke 12:35-40:
“Be dressed for service and keep your lamps burning, as though you were waiting for your master to return from the wedding feast. Then you will be ready to open the door and let him in the moment he arrives and knocks. The servants who are ready and waiting for his return will be rewarded. I tell you the truth, he himself will seat them, put on an apron, and serve them as they sit and eat! He may come in the middle of the night or just before dawn. But whenever he comes, he will reward the servants who are ready. “Understand this: If a homeowner knew exactly when a burglar was coming, he would not permit his house to be broken into. You also must be ready all the time, for the Son of Man will come when least expected.” (NLT)
As believers in Christ we must not only be ready, but even expect His return at all times! Why is it so crucial to be ready now? To be dressed for service? Because not one man knows the hour in which Jesus will return. This is not the time we want to be “sort of” awake.
“However, no one knows the day or hour when these things will happen, not even the angels in heaven or the Son himself. Only the Father knows. (Mark 13:32 NLT)
Let me repeat, NO MAN knows the hour in which Jesus will return. So, how do we strengthen our faith, prepare our hearts, minds, and spirits for this highly anticipated day? Do we get dressed and stay at home watching the clock? Day after day just wait? Not at all. In fact we live our lives here on earth fully.
Right now we have the ability and opportunity to let others see and experience Jesus through the way in which we live. Am I seeking Him as He asks me too?Am I loving others and forgiving their trespasses? Do I relentlessly attempt to be salt and light in this world – even if it brings persecution my way? By living the Truth of God’s commandments, seeking Him in all things, giving Him the glory for all we have in our lives, we allow others, who may not know Jesus, see and believe just how incredible He is.
I’ve never been a very big fan of surprises. I am more of a need to know everything up front kind of girl. If I am blessed enough to be on this earth when Jesus returns, I want my heart to be all HIS.
Let us awake from our slumber and be women who run after Jesus! May we have gratefulness that overflows to those around us, and all we do be done in love.
Holding Fast to Hope,
Jen
Scripture References: Luke 12:35-40; Mark 13:32; Exodus 20:1-17; Philippians 1:10; Philippians 3:20; 1 John 2:28; Matthew 6:33; Jeremiah 29:13; Proverbs 8:17; Matthew 5:10; 1 Corinthians 16:14
