CHRIST WILL RETURN---SOMEDAY!

At my advanced age, I doubt that I will live to see the wonderful day when Christ returns to this earth.  I imagine I will have to watch His entrance from some point in Heaven, maybe a special look- out spot where I will watch the many who await Him below. What a grand day that will be!


The Bible tells us just a little, just enough to get us really interested, in the way Christ will return.  For instance, in Mark 13:32 and 33 it says, "No one knows about the day or the hour, not even the angels in Heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.  Be on guard!  Be alert!"  (and verse 35) "Therefore, keep watch!"


We have witnessed many ways that Jesus comes to us in the world. I think of an old picture from Sunday School with Jesus in a yellow robe knocking on a blue door, the door of our heart, I like to think.  Jesus comes in a smile from a friend who tells me," Christ loves you!"  The story of Jesus birth at Christmastime tells us, truly, the way He came.  The signs of the cross tells us "why" He came, to rid  us of our shame and sin.


I apologize for not having a reference for this next statement, but there is a passage somewhere in the Bible, I think, that tells us that Jesus will come in the clouds. I have watched the clouds for a good part of my life, hoping I would see Christ return!  I can't say that I am consumed by the idea, but with the knowledge that it could have happened in my life-time, cloud watching was always followed by a prayer. How He will come, I do not really know, but He will come to take us home with Him.


The study in my bible says several things: "From Revelation 9:10, "God has revealed all we need to know to live for Him now.  In our desire to be ready for the end, we must not place more emphasis on speculation about the last days than on living for God while we wait." And in the Study for Mark 13:32-33, "It is the Father's secret to be revealed when He wills.  No one can predict by Scripture or science the exact day of Jesus' return.  Jesus taught that preparation, not calculation is needed..  The way to prepare is to study God's word and live by its instructions each day.  Only then will we be ready."


We will probably never learn the entirety of need for preparation for His return.  But, continued prayer and listening to God's Holy Spirit will be our best source for peace while we await His return, maybe in our day, maybe not.


Again from the study, and I choose this as my last words to you, "We  must do our best to stimulate our surroundings with right living for God in a world where He is largely ignored." 


God, bless the world and its beings, including those who may read these words.  Help them to watch for you!  And bless me, I pray, for life in You in this and other days.


To all who await His return!


Jo of MN