A rainbow after the storm, a re-bloom after a fire, a surge of energy after an illness. Beauty from ashes will be all around us. “And they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.” Can you just picture the indescribable beauty? To see the Son of Man returning is what we are all looking forward to. Will we see it in our lifetime?
I don’t know about you, but I want to be one of the “chosen ones” gathered in that day. We are not meant to know precisely “when,” not even Jesus knew. (If he did, he didn’t let on.) But Jesus did give us a glimpse of what we can expect to see before it happens. Just like we can see other telltale signs in nature when God’s creation experiences a rebirth, we can be watching for his return.
Too many people expend immense amounts of energy trying to figure out when. It can become an obsession. They failed to read and accept Jesus’ words, “no one knows the day or hour when these things will happen, not even the angels in heaven or the Son himself. Only the Father knows.” There are some things we are not meant to know.
Another example would be the day we die. We are all born, and we know we will die. But there is no expiration date imprinted on any of us in any way, like for instance a carton of milk. That’s on purpose, too. We need to focus on living our life, not when that life will end. Same is true with the end of the world. We need to live each day to the fullest. Some would even say to live each day as if it’s your last. What would that look like for you?
When we can fully embrace the glorious opportunity we have been given as children of God, life can be full and meaningful. Look around at the many blessings you have. It goes way beyond the physical “things” that often provide comfort. We have breath. We have eyes to see. We have arms to hold the ones we love.
Beyond enjoying every moment, we need to be ready. Because we don’t know the date and time of Jesus’ return, we need to be ready. Another clue Jesus gives us is to think of the time of Noah. There was a lot of merriment going on, living life without regard for anything but self enjoyment. What a rude awakening when all of that was swept away!
It’s like hearing the tornado warning and not taking cover. We have heard the words of Jesus. That is our “warning.” What are we going to do about it? How are we going to live our lives going forward? Are we ready for Jesus to return?
Let’s pray. Lord, I am so excited at the thought of your return in glory. There is so much corruption in this world that breaks my heart. I look forward to the day God has chosen. If it’s in my lifetime, I want to be ready. I never want to be so caught up in the world that I miss out on a moment with you. Forgive me when I do let the enticement of society influence me and my choices. Thank you for your loving grace. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
