Ready or Not, He's Coming!

William A.V. Cecil owns the largest private home in America, the Biltmore mansion in Asheville, North Carolina. He used to go to the estate every day to make sure every detail was done right. When he left one area, employees would get on their two-way radios and warn people in the next area he was coming so they could be at their best.

Didn't Jesus tell some stories that make the same point? It's best to always be ready when the king or master returns (Matthew 25:13; Matthew 24:44; Luke 12:40). The Bible has tons to say about readiness, preparedness, and anticipation in regards to the Lord's return.

Being ready for His return involves a little more just than standing around staring up at the sky. Just like any good plan, you have to put a little effort into it. It won't come together on its own. Especially where it concerns getting your life in order for His eternal kingdom.

All of us have an appointed time of death, unless Jesus returns first. After our death there will be a second appointment; and that appointment is with God, Our Heavenly Father. Thus, the theme of this message: "Are you prepared for His return?"

If you're like most, you've probably thought about this at one time or another, but now it's kind of shoved towards the back of your mind. After all, there are so many other pressing matters that have kind of taken up space in your life.

There are things like work, family, finances, health, the gym membership, Fluffy's hair clipping and shampoo, getting one's nails done, and almost anything else you'd like to add to this list. Clearly, pretty much anything gets our attention except for making sure that we are good to go when Jesus returns, or we meet Him in person beforehand.

How do we do this? I mean, what can you and I do to make sure that we have everything we can to be ready? William Barclay said that, "The best way to prepare for the coming of Christ is never to forget the presence of Christ." -“You Can Say That Again” Christianity Today, Vol. 39, no. 8.

This makes good sense. It's simple, and straightforward. If we keep mindful of the Lord’s presence in our lives, a couple of things will occur. First, it will change our perspective. We'll begin to see our lives from God's point of view. And, this will in turn will change how we live and arrange things in our lives.

Think of someone you may have known that passed away suddenly. One day they were here, then just like that, they were gone. This could happen to us at any time, too. At that point, it's too late to make any changes, or do any rearranging. Nothing more can be done!

Matthew Henry commented, "The souls of the faithful, after they are delivered from the burdens of the flesh, are still praising him; but the dead body cannot praise God: death puts an end to our glorifying him in this world of trial and conflict."

The Bible point this out for us several times (Psalm 115:17; Isaiah 38:18; Psalm 6:5; Psalm 30:9). There's no checklist that you can follow to prepare yourself. This is one of those instances where everyone has an idea of what needs to be done, but keeps putting it off.

Do you remember how Christ was always trying to simplify things for the disciples? He did this so that they could wrap their hands around whatever concept, or teaching He presented to them. It's the same thing here. Jesus never meant to complicate things for us. We're pretty good at doing that ourselves. When it comes to being ready for Jesus, it's pretty basic.

Be watchful of Him. Be faithful to Him. Prepare yourself for Him. Read that Bible. Study Scripture. Pray. Love and respect each other. Seek fellowship with other believers. Share your faith with others. Ask for the forgiveness of your sins. And, most importantly, if you haven't already, come to Christ.

As you can see, what I have listed above are just a few essential things that anyone one of us can follow. Of course, you may have some things that you can add, as well. But, whatever you do, don't let another day go by without giving this some thought.

When Our Lord returns, and He will, there will be no forewarning. He's not going to wait for you or I to try and scramble about at the last second. Either we're ready for Him, or we're finished! (Luke 12:37)

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 16:13; John 14:3;Titus 2:13; Luke 18:8; Revelation 1:7

Prayer: Holy Father, I wait in anticipation to be at home with You. I know that You are coming and have prepared a place for me in Your kingdom. I pray that I have done all that I can to avail myself to You. Amen

Have a blessed Monday!

Kara