Looking around us at the world we cannot fail to see so many signs that tell us that Jesus is very near. He is at the door!
The important question that presses itself upon each of us is: What will His return mean to me?
God has permitted His children to know the Truth, to take on the name of Christ and has provided all that is needed to develop within them the mind of Christ. They have been granted many privileges and given a great hope.
So ask yourself the question, how do I stand?
How have you responded to the Gospel message? Are your affections still with the temporary things of this life? Is God the centre of your life? Your life or death depends upon the reply to the questions. John records: “Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him " 1 John 2:15.
The signs are indeed unmistakable that the Lord’s return is near. The nations are in perplexity and the United Nations has been shown up for the charade that it is. Only the return of the Lord Jesus and the setting up of the Kingdom can resolve the wickedness and hypocrisy of man. There are so many signs, signs coming one after the other, signs showing that Jesus cannot be far away. Now as never before, is it time for self examination. Now as never before, is it time to stand up for Truth and proclaim the true gospel message without fear. Now as never before, is it time to keep away from those who would water down the Truth of the Word and fellowship error. The path of compromise is always downhill! It is Peter who exhorts:
"What kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives." 2 Peter 3:11
If we look back over how we have lived, is this the description of our lives? Have our lives been holy and godly in character? Consider the question, "what will Jesus return mean to me?" How will you answer that question? How will I answer that question? Have we used our privileges and talents wisely? Have we responded aright to the trials of life? Do we truly, wholeheartedly, love the Lord our God? This life is indeed a mere bauble, vanity, a chasing after the wind. But that which is to come is eternal and unshakable. In that day in which, if the Lord wills, we see his smiling face and are described as good and faithful servants, will the life we have left behind appeal? No indeed it will not! It will be seen then for what it is, passing and ephemeral, but also the testing ground for faith.
That which is guaranteed to those who give faithful loving service to Christ, is glory, honour, incorruptibility, and a share in helping to fill the earth with the knowledge of the glory of God. So now, today, is the time to build up the ecclesia's, now is the time to build up our loved ones, now is the time to prepare.
Let our attitude be that of David who wrote:
“A day in thy courts is better than a thousand. I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness” Psalms 84:10
May the Lord come! The Jews had a saying at Passover - next year in Jerusalem. Maybe we should say at each breaking of bread - next week in Jerusalem. Indeed may it be so!
Andy P.