Summer heat has returned and with it I am reminded that God has ruled over many more heat waves than I can imagine. More importantly is the realization that time won’t last forever and there is a heat wave to come, predicted in Revelation, that will make this summer’s warmth seem like a cool spring day. Do you believe that too?
I’ve been thinking much on the words of Jesus, “Be on guard, keep awake” (Mark 13:33); “…stay awake—for you do not know when the master of the house will come…” (Mark 13:35). Events in the world seem to be leading more briskly to the return of Jesus, which marks the end of this age.
It has been 2000 years since His departure in the clouds. It’s so easy to lapse into complacent thinking, to dismiss His promised return as words we must have misunderstood—or so far fetched we can’t even fathom their reality. It’s alluringly simple to live as if this world that’s before our eyes is all there is.
Another of my favorite verses, “…it is impossible for God to lie…” (Hebrews 6:18) reminds me that even though His return seems to be taking forever, His promised second coming will happen. I can count on it because He cannot lie. Would I live differently if I really felt His return really could happen any day? Would I pay closer attention to His Word, His purposes in these bewildering times of ours?
I do not want to be short-sighted, unmindful or unwatchful. I long to live every day as if tomorrow will bring the call of the trumpet for which my ears are longing. I want my mind to unswervingly remember He who sees and hears and records all. Like an athlete, I want to keep my eyes fixed on the prize like none the earth has ever seen.
Is this true for you too? If not ask Him to give you a heart that longs for His coming. Read these verses, these words of Jesus to His disciples. His Word is true. We can count on it. May you join me in watching for His coming in the clouds!
