As we approach what is suppose to be a “major snow event” in the Tennessee Valley, the anticipation is so thick you can feel it. It is the subject of discussion around work places and on the news. Schools and businesses are already closing before the first flake falls. And, the milk and bread isles of the grocery stores are looking bare. But, with all this anticipation, those who have lived in the area for any period of time know not to get too excited until the snow is actually on the ground. Knoxvillians who enjoy a good snow occassionally have had their hopes dashed too many times to buy into a weather forcast no matter how acurate it may seem.
I was thinking this morning about anticipation of another kind. I was wondering why I, and many other brothers and sisters in Christ, do not have the same sense of excitment and expectancy over the imminent return of our Lord and Savior! In Revelation 22:12 Jesus makes this promise, “And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work”. Now there is a forcast we can truly count on. Our Savior is returning and I personally believe it could at any moment! The question is, do we really live our lives in light of that truth?
The preparations made for a significant weather event rearranges. at least for a short time, our priorities and daily routines. So shouldn’t the expectancy of the Second Coming produce the same response in us except in a permanent way? If we truly believe the event is imminent (at hand, just around the corner) then shouldn’t we rearrange our priorities and alter our daily routines? What would that look like in the life of a Believer?
First, I think we would want to have our Lord return and find us at work in His vineyard. We would make less time for the many things that fill up our schedules but are of no eternal value and make more time for those things which further God’s Kingdom. If we knew for certain tomorrow was “the Day”, wouldn’t we make a profound effort to share the Gospel at least with those we know and love? Second, I think we would see our comfort, conveniences, and material possessions in a different light. We would readily lay those things aside in an act of loving sacrifice to our Lord in order to meet the needs of others, especially “the least of these.” The eternal would finally trump the temporal!!!
I hope that if we truly get a significant amount of snow and ice this weekend, that we all take advantage of the ”down time” to reflect on our lives in light of Christ’s return. May there be areas of our lives that are permanently altered because we have by faith taken hold of this magnificent promise.
Have a great weekend!
David
Share This Post: