Getting Ready for the Coming of Jesus
A Deeper Reflection
Date: Friday, February 21, 2025
Bible Reading: 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24
Key Verse: “I go away and come again unto you. If ye loved me, ye would rejoice, because I said, I go unto the Father: for my Father is greater than I.” – John 14:28
Introduction:
The return of Jesus Christ is a central tenet of Christian faith, a promise that has echoed through the centuries, offering hope and inspiring believers to live lives of purpose and holiness. But the question remains: Are we truly ready for His coming? This devotional explores the significance of this anticipated event, examining the practical implications of believing in Jesus’ return and how we can prepare ourselves to meet Him.
The Certainty of Jesus’ Return
(John 14:28; 1 Thessalonians 5:24):
Jesus’ own words in John 14:28, “I go away and come again unto you,” provide a clear and unequivocal assurance of His return. This promise is not merely a comforting thought but a foundational truth upon which we build our lives as Christians.
John 14:28: Jesus’ statement isn’t just a declaration of intent; it’s an invitation to joy. He connects His departure and return with the love His disciples have for Him. True love for Jesus should inspire a joyful anticipation of His return, a longing to be reunited with Him.
1 Thessalonians 5:24: “Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it.” Paul reinforces the certainty of Jesus’ return by emphasizing God’s faithfulness. He who called us to salvation will also complete His work in us, preparing us for that glorious day. This verse is a powerful reminder that God’s promises are not empty words but solid guarantees.
The Call to Holiness
(1 Thessalonians 5:23):
1 Thessalonians 5:23: provides a profound insight into the kind of preparation God desires for His children. It’s not just about believing in Jesus’ return; it’s about living a life that reflects that belief.
1 Thessalonians 5:23: “And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.”1 Paul’s prayer reveals the comprehensive nature of sanctification. It encompasses every aspect of our being – spirit, soul, and body – a complete transformation that aligns us with God’s holiness.
Sanctification: A Process: Sanctification is not an instantaneous event but a lifelong process of growth and transformation. It involves yielding ourselves to the Holy Spirit, allowing Him to purify us from sin and conform us to the image of Christ.
Blamelessness: The goal is to be “preserved blameless” until Jesus’ return. This doesn’t mean perfection in the sense of never making mistakes, but it does mean a sincere and consistent pursuit of holiness, a desire to live a life that is pleasing to God.
Living in Light of the Coming
(Various Scriptures):
The belief in Jesus’ imminent return should not lead to passive waiting but to active preparation. It should shape our daily lives, influencing our choices, our priorities, and our relationships.
Matthew 24:42: “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come.” This verse emphasizes the importance of constant vigilance. We should live each day as if it were our last, always ready to meet the Lord.
Luke 21:34-36: “Be careful, or your hearts will be weighed down with dissipation, drunkenness and the anxieties of life, and that day will2 close on you suddenly like a trap…Be always on the watch, and pray that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen, and that you may be able3 to stand before the Son of Man.”4 This passage warns against the dangers of worldliness and complacency. We should avoid anything that would distract us from our focus on God and our preparation for His return.
2 Peter 3:10-12: “But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything5 done in it will be laid bare…Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought6 to live holy and godly lives as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming.”7 This passage paints a vivid picture of the day of the Lord and emphasizes the importance of living holy and godly lives in anticipation of that day.
Practical Preparation:
Preparing for Jesus’ return is not just about spiritual matters; it also involves practical steps that demonstrate our faith and commitment.
Repentance: A crucial first step is repentance, turning away from sin and turning towards God. This involves acknowledging our shortcomings, seeking forgiveness, and making a conscious effort to live a life that is pleasing to Him.
Daily Surrender: We should surrender our lives to God daily, allowing Him to guide our thoughts, our words, and our actions. This means putting His will above our own desires and seeking to live in obedience to His Word.
Serving Others: Jesus taught that we should love our neighbors as ourselves. Serving others is an essential part of the Christian life and a way of demonstrating our love for God.
Sharing the Gospel: We should share the good news of Jesus Christ with those around us. This is not only a command but also a privilege, as we have the opportunity to bring others to salvation.
Stewardship: We should be good stewards of the resources God has entrusted to us, using them wisely and generously to support His work and to help those in need.
The Importance of Watchfulness:
Jesus repeatedly emphasized the importance of watchfulness. We should be alert and aware of the spiritual dangers around us, always ready for His return.
Spiritual Alertness: Being watchful involves being spiritually alert, discerning the signs of the times, and resisting the temptations of the world.
Consistent Prayer: Prayer is essential for maintaining our watchfulness. It is through prayer that we connect with God, receive guidance, and find strength to resist temptation.
The Hymn’s Message:
The hymn reinforces the theme of readiness and encourages us to live in anticipation of Christ’s return. It emphasizes the joy and blessedness of those who are found faithful.
Conclusion:
The coming of Jesus is not just a future event; it is a present reality that should shape the way we live our lives today. By embracing the certainty of His return, striving for holiness, living in watchfulness, and engaging in practical preparation, we can ensure that we are ready to meet Him with joy and confidence. May we all live in such a way that when He comes, we will be found faithful and welcomed into His eternal kingdom.
