WE ARE STILL HERE

As you know, a well intentioned preacher predicted that Jesus would return for His church on May 21, 2011. That day came and went and the Lord did not return. Following this miscalculation the same prophetic pundit said he was 5 months off and Jesus will return October 21, 2011. I’m sure all of us find these predictions embarrassing in light of the inaccuracy involved and the following statement of Jesus: “No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven nor the Son, but only the Father.” (Matthew 24:36). We know the signs of the times indicate His coming could be soon, but that’s all we know about the timing of His coming. No doubt unbelievers revel in anything that embarrasses the church. However, the truth of God’s Word endures. It is not subject to human error and God continues His work of drawing people to Himself.

On the plus side, this prophetic fiasco reminds us that Jesus promised to come back and when He does everything will change. “Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day – and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.” (2 Timothy 4:8). Longing for His appearing is designed to be a healthy characteristic of God’s children.

I have heard it said that some Christians are so heavenly minded they are of no earthly good. It would be unhealthy and unbiblical to neglect responsibility on earth because we anticipate the Lord’s coming. A healthy, biblical perspective anticipates the Lord’s return and draws from that hope motivation to live for Christ on earth. It is not an obsession that blurs our understanding of earthly realities and responsibilities. It is a deep seated hope that helps shape our lives in very constructive ways on this earth.

The hope of His coming motivates us to holy living. “Everyone who has this hope in him purifies himself, just as he is pure.” (1 John 3:3). I had the privilege of pastoring many military people in Colorado Springs. I remember one young wife and mother whose husband was stationed overseas for a long period of time. As his return home neared she began making preparations. She lost weight, cleaned up the house, and prepared her young children for his arrival. It was a wonderful lesson on preparing to receive the person you love.

The hope of His coming motivates us to faithful service. Speaking of life after death Paul said, “Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.” (1 Corinthians 15:58). The prospect of Jesus coming before we die holds the same hope of eternal reward for our service.

The hope of His coming ministers peace in a troubled world. We all experience discouragement when our efforts bring less than desired results. Not enough people are getting saved, the church is imperfect, and Christians let us down. And, sometimes we disappoint ourselves. The hope of Christ’s coming includes the ultimate establishment of His Kingdom on earth. In that day the redeemed will be free from the frailties of human flesh and all Christians will be complete in their transformation. When His Kingdom comes in fullness all humanity will be under the direct reign of Jesus Christ and all will be made right. “Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when he appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is.” (1 John 23:2).

“We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is not hope at all. Who hopes for what he already has? But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.” (Romans 8:22-25).

Be encouraged. He didn’t come on May 21st and probably won’t come on October 21st, but He will come. If He doesn’t come in your life time, you will enter His fully expressed presence and Kingdom when you die. So, till He comes or we pass from this life let’s keep introducing our Savior and the truth of His Word to as many as possible and bring the influence of His Kingdom into this hurting lost world.