“There will be strange things happening to the sun, the moon, and the stars. On earth whole countries will be in despair, afraid of the roar of the sea and the raging tides. People will faint from fear as they wait for what is coming over the whole earth, for the powers in space will be driven from their courses. Then the Son of Man will appear, coming in a cloud with great power and glory. When these things begin to happen, stand up and raise your heads, because your salvation is near.”
– Jesus (Luke 21:25-28)
Jesus Christ is returning! For every Christian that is cause for rejoicing and thankfulness when our King eternal sends His angels forth to gather us into His barn.
Are you ready?
Scripture tells us that it will be a tumultuous time when our Lord returns for His. There will be awesome and fearful sights in the skies and on the earth. Nations will be gravely distressed at the events occurring across the planet; so much so that courage will fail them in the face of what is happening. People will be scrambling for shelter to try and protect themselves.
“And I saw the Lamb break open the sixth seal. There was a violent earthquake, and the sun became black like coarse black cloth, and the moon turned completely red like blood. The stars fell down to the earth, like unripe figs falling from the tree when a strong wind shakes it. The sky disappeared like a scroll being rolled up, and every mountain and island was moved from its place. Then the kings of the earth, the rulers and the military chiefs, the rich and the powerful, and all other people, slave and free, hid themselves in caves and under rocks on the mountains. They called out to the mountains and to the rocks, ‘Fall on us and hide us from the eyes of the one who sits on the throne and from the anger of the Lamb! The terrible day of their anger is here, and who can stand up against it?'”
– John (Revelation 6:12-17)
Again, are you ready? The fear across the earth will be so profound … and here is a truth: we will find ourselves overwhelmed with that same fear. Why? Because we are still flesh even though we are the Lord’s. Without God’s Spirit leading us we will also be among those who run and hide, trying to preserve our lives. Only through trust in our Father, in our Lord Jesus, can we see what is happening in that day and not fear. Our faith in God’s grace saves us from the wrath to come. And it is His Spirit that inspires and encourages that faith.
“When these things begin to happen, stand up and raise your heads, because your salvation is near.”
– Jesus (Luke 21:28)
“Be on watch and pray always that you will have the strength to go safely through all those things that will happen and to stand before the Son of Man.”
– Jesus (Luke 21:36)
The fear across the earth will be so profound … and here is a truth: we will find ourselves overwhelmed with that same fear. Why? Because we are still flesh
There exists in our flesh nature the inclination to believe we are capable of ourselves. We read of the return of our Lord, and we may watch programs and movies about a calamitous time on our earth, and we may convince ourselves that we will be ready and able to stand and welcome our Lord. We strongly encourage anyone who thinks that way to think again! Of ourselves, none of us will have the courage and strength. We will run for shelter along with many others.
Unless …
Unless we have our relationship developed with Jesus, and His Spirit inspires and guides us through our days. Only through Him will we find the courage and strength at that day. So, will the Son of Man find faith on the earth when He returns? Will His angels gather us as we stand and await Him? Or will we be among those striving to save our lives, and soon weeping and gnashing our teeth?
It’s important to understand that following this terrible time there will be the judgment where all give account of their lives. Going through this terrible day does not mean cast away from Christ, but it does mean remaining outside in the devastation while those whose faith stood are safely in His presence away from the wrath falling on the earth. And it does mean having to answer for everything one has said and done, while those safely inside have passed from judgment to life already.
Our faith through His Spirit saves us from the wrath and saves us from the judgment.
Only through Him will we find the courage and strength at that day
So how do we prepare for that day? Simple, be His. Every day spend time in your relationship with Jesus. Read His word, speak with Him in prayer, and be His at every opportunity. Listen to His Spirit within you and say, yes. He is faithful to take care of everything you will need in that day as well as every day. Encourage others and be encouraged by them. Keep your mind on Jesus in everything you do.
“In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.”
– Solomon (Proverbs 3:6)
“You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!”
– Isaiah (Isaiah 26:3)
He is faithful. His Spirit does the work within you. Keep Him in your thoughts daily – throughout each day. Let Him lead you and He will ensure you are ready for His return. And He will ensure you will be useful in encouraging others to trust Him that He will make them ready, too.
Jesus Christ is returning! Let Him lead you and He will ensure you are ready for His return.
