If you knew Jesus Christ could return at any minute, what would you do? Our meticulous charts and efforts to figure out the timing of Christ’s return may make us miss the point. We may be so confident in our interpretation of the scriptures that we believe something has to happen somewhere across the world before Jesus returns. This might give us the false assurance that we do not have to be prepared, just yet. That would be a mistake.
Speaking to his servants, Jesus explained, that if they stayed ready, then they would never have to get ready. Even if he came at midnight or early morning, the whole job of servants was to stay ready for their master’s arrival. Remember, they did not have the “advantage,” of the teachings which have won the field in our day. Jesus told them to stay ready. Shouldn’t we, then?
Some years ago, a soldier sought to surprise his family with his return from a long time away. When he arrived, he realized someone had let them know of his return. There was a welcome sign in the yard. When he walked into the house, his wife and children stood ready to greet him with balloons and confetti. After the joyful reunion, he asked his wife, “How did you know I was coming home today?” “We didn’t,” she answered, “but every day we acted like you would come home that day.”
Advent begins this Sunday. In this season of remembering Christ’s first coming, let us anticipate his return. Alistair Begg sums up the New Testament teachings of the end times: Jesus Christ will return personally, visibly, powerfully, and victoriously. What would we do if Christ were coming today? Let’s do that!
