Are we ready?

The Apostle Paul tells us that there is laid up a crown of righteousness which the Lord the Righteous Judge will give…..to all who have loved His appearing. (2 Timothy 4:8).  How do we feel about Christ’s Return?  Are we ready to meet Him and look forward to being with Him with a spirit of anticipation or are we afraid to face Him because we are not ready for Him? We have been looking at ways in which we can prepare ourselves NOW in readiness for His coming.

 Peter asks “. . . what manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness, looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God” (2 Peter 3:11,12).  We should live in a manner worthy of Him today so that we will not be afraid of Him when He comes.

 How can we hasten the coming of Christ? God is giving us time to repent as He is not willing for any to be unsaved (2 Peter 3:9) and we can bring His coming forward by devoting our lives to lead as many people as we can to Jesus before He returns.  We have today, we may not have tomorrow, so let us make the most of the time we do have by doing what God has called us to do.  One day Christ will return unannounced and take us all by surprise.  “Therefore if you will not watch, I will come upon you as a thief, and you will not know what hour I will come upon you (Rev 3:3).

Christ will appear in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory to judge the living and the dead. ‘(Matthew 24:31).  Are we ready to appear before God’s Judgement Throne?  What sentence will we hear?  “Well done thou good and faithful servant. Enter into the joy of your Lord/ (Matthew 23) or ‘Depart from me into everlasting hell” (Matt 25:41).  Or, Depart from me I never knew you.(Matthew 25:14)  The verdict rests with us.

CHALLENGE

Where do we stand.   Are we among those who eagerly look forward to Christ’s return, or among those who will cry out to the rocks to hide them for fear of God’s judgement.   If any of us are not ready today is the Day of Salvation.  Turn to God with all your hearts and repent and He will receive you unto Himself.

PRAYER

Almighty God, we thank you that you are a just and righteous God.   Thank you for your patience in waiting for repentant sinners to come home.   Grant us your grace that by your Holy Spirit that all you have tasted of your grace and mercy may share that love and goodness with others and draw them to you. Amen