Final Preparation

Jesus will return when we are ready and not a moment before.  The people of God need to push away all dependency on this world, eliminate all self-confidence, and brush back any measure of pride, hypocrisy, or lack of devotion to God.  We need to remove all obstructions and stand ready.

“A voice is calling, “Clear the way for the Lord in the wilderness; make smooth in the desert a highway for our God.  Let every valley be lifted up, and every mountain and hill be made low; and let the rough ground become a plain, and the rugged terrain a broad valley; then the glory of the Lord will be revealed, and all flesh will see it together; for the mouth of the Lord has spoken.”  Isaiah 40:3-5 (NASB)

As believers, we are called to live in anticipation of our salvation by thinking differently than we did before knowing Jesus.  The world we live in is filled with the distractions of the enemy.  Regardless, our mission is to keep our minds focused on the teachings of Jesus.

“Therefore, prepare your minds for action, keep sober in spirit, fix your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.”  1 Peter 1:13 (NASB)

Equally important is our obligation to share the gospel at every opportunity.  When Jesus returns, he wants to find us sharing the Word of God with anyone and everyone who will listen.  This message is far too important to keep to ourselves.

“I solemnly charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by His appearing and His kingdom: preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great patience and instruction.”  2 Timothy 4:1-2 (NASB)

Following Jesus is not a part-time endeavor; Jesus is life.  Everything we do should be pointed in one direction.  Our preparation for the return of Jesus centers on our love for God and our desire to share that love with those around us.  When our minds are fully absorbed by our spiritual calling we are ready to receive Jesus.

“Therefore if you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth. For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, is revealed, then you also will be revealed with Him in glory.”  Colossians 3:1-4 (NASB)

Jesus will return when we are ready for him to return and not a moment before.  We need to plow the fields, till the soil, and get rid of all the weeds.  We need to plant the seeds and supply the water needed for the sunlight to bring forth life. If we are diligent in our efforts, when the harvest is ready, Jesus will make good on his promise to deliver our eternal salvation.

“But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father alone.”  Matthew 24:36 (NASB)

All scripture references are linked to Bible Gateway so that you can read each verse in context.  Bible Gateway allows you to change the verse to your favorite translation and compare it side-by-side with multiple translations.  In addition, you can select to hear an audio version of any verse by clicking on the speaker icon.  Keep the Bible Gateway App on your phone so that you can visit the Word of God at any time during your day.

Disconnected