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| Ready or not here He will come As children we played hide and seek for hours with our neighborhood friends. If you’ve ever played this game, you already know this but one person would count and everyone else hides. When the person got done counting, as he prepared to look for and tag the people in the game, he would say something along the lines, “ready or not here I come.” In a similar fashion, but not in the same words, Jesus has repeatedly warned us that He is coming. We have details concerning the signs preceding His return (Matthew 24:3-31, Luke 21:25-26, 1 Thes. 5: 2-3, 2 Peter 3:3-4, 1 John 2:18, et al.) but He distinctly warns us that no one knows the exact day or hour of His return (Mark 13:32, et al). Instead, His instructions are to be alert, be ready (Matthew 24:36) and stay engaged doing the mission (Matthew 28:18-20, Acts 1:8) He gave us until He returns. The Apostle Peter, in His second epistle, encourages us with details of the second coming of Christ. In summary, as we face adversity, uncertainty and struggle to understand, as believers in Jesus Christ we must never lose sight of the certainty and hope of the future. The return of Christ in victory also brings meaning and purpose to us even in the present. 2 PE 3:8 But do not overlook this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. 9 The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance. 10 But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a roar, and the heavenly bodies will be burned up and dissolved, and the earth and the works that are done on it will be exposed. From this text in 2 Peter, here are the truths and implications that leave us with hope and certainty of the future: 1) God has an intentional plan for His Son’s return Implication: God is not late. He is not undecided. No matter when the Lord returns, the length of time is not a factor. 2) God will fulfill His promise concerning His Son’s return Implication: Jesus’ return is prophesied and promised. Jesus will return. 3) God is patient with us Implication: God is not in a hurry to judge and destroy His creation 4) God desires for all to come to repentance before His return Implication: God is merciful, gracious and compassionate. Correspondingly, He commissions us to “make disciples.” 5) God shall send the Lord for His church at an unexpected time Implication: Be ready at all times for the return of the Lord. Do not slumber or sleep. 6) God destroys the present creation upon the return of the Lord Implication: God has the power to create and He has the power to destroy His creation. Judgment will be fierce and total. 7) God will expose the works of His human creation Implication: Everything that humans have made with their hands will face judgment and complete destruction. Don’t hold onto your things too tightly. Unlike the kids game of hide and seek, God is not hiding but he is seeking those who are lost. He will return for His church. He is victorious. Are you ready? Ready or not here He will come! A Work in Progress, Pastor Gene |
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