Those of us who live in modern, industrialized nations are blessed with the great benefits of technology. Take prediction of the weather, for example.
I live in Northern Virginia. As you likely know, this and other parts of the United States are undergoing historic blizzard conditions. Though most of us are trying to shovel ourselves out of 24+ inches, the snow came as no surprise to us. Thanks to the technology of sophisticated radars and other weather equipment, meteorologists informed us well in advance that we would be severely hit by this winter storm. With at least three days of advance warning, we were not caught off-guard. Every prudent person stocked up on groceries and other essentials in preparation to ride out the storm. We also did what we needed to do in anticipation of being snowed in for several days—purchased salt and snow shovels, rescheduled doctors’ appointments, rearranged flights to get back to our respective residences prior to the storm, to name just a few.
How wonderful to plan in advance!
But as I thought about the many advantages of anticipating being snowed in for several days, I couldn’t help but
think of the biggest, most impactful event yet to hit and disrupt the entire world: the second coming of Jesus Christ. Although this will be unimaginably big and mind-blowing, the news won’t be able to carry it. Scripture teaches in Luke 21:27, “At that time they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.” Revelation 1:7 declares, “Behold, he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him, even those who pierced him, and all tribes of the earth will wail on account of him…”
This is not only the biggest but also the most exciting news ever! The Bible makes it very clear that Christ will come suddenly. But no one will be able to anticipate it. This most climactic event will not be trending on Twitter. No one will be “talking” about it on Facebook. No pastor, blogger, or news anchor will tell you to prepare yourself (and your family) in the next few hours or days for it. There absolutely will be no advance notice. In fact, no one knows when that day or hour will come because the Bible tells us so (see Matthew 24:36; Mark 113:32). Therefore, “You also must be ready all the time, for the Son of Man will come when least expected” (Matthew 24:44, italics mine). Indeed, it will happen in a moment.
In the blink of an eye, those who are living and have trusted Christ for forgiveness of their sins—those who are prepared—will be caught up with Him in the air and be transformed; those who have died in Christ will be raised to live forever (see 1 Corinthians 15:52; 1 Thessalonians 4:17). God’s people will enter into the splendor of His glorious presence, to live and be with Him forever and ever! And no mind can possibly conceive what God has in store for those so unspeakably privileged!
Sure, we are adept at knowing how to plan for extended vacations, retirement, and inclement weather. But are we prepared for the return of the King of Kings and Lord of Lords?
Live each day preparing for this most monumental day.
Thanks for reading this post. For more information on living for what matters most, including being prepared for this cataclysmic event, I invite you to join the life-transforming Living Backward movement? To become a part, click here.
Amen!! How glorious that day will be for those who believe–how devastating for those who do not.
The Bible is the hindsight that can be our foresight. I love your heart and leadership Angelique. You are an angel. Let’s populate heaven together.
Who will join us? ?
Amen, Angela! Love that: the Bible is the hindsight that can be our foresight. I love your heart too and am delighted to link arms with you to advance God’s kingdom on the earth. And as my mother used to say, “It takes one to know one.” You too are an angel. Excited to be sharing this journey with wonderful you!