Are We Ready For The Return of Jesus Christ, Our Lord?

By Katie Hershberger

May 1, 2009

We are still here, but we don't know how much longer it will be before He returns. We try to live life to its fullest, and serve God in the best way we know how. So many of us have big plans for down the road; maybe plans for this year, or next year. Some of us might be saying we want to do this, or do that before it's too late. For instance, my goal is to become a wife as the years go by. In the end, I want to be able to say, "Mission accomplished!" I would be thankful if that happened, but I wouldn't want to focus too much on my own accomplishment. I need His help.

Remember: through Him, nothing is impossible. The question is: are we focusing too much on our own goals? Are we spending enough time with God? Are we prepared for His return?

Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed is he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame. (Rev 16:15)

Blessed indicates that this is the third of seven beatitudes in Revelation (see also 1:3, 14:3, 19:9, 20:6, 22:7,14). Coming as a thief, looks back to Jesus' warning to believers to be vigilant because of the unexpected timing of His return.

But know this, that if the goodman of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken up. Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh. (Mat 24:43-44)

Sometimes it's hard to believe that we are still here, with everything this world has been through, and how much has changed over the last years. But, we are still here because God has a wonderful plan for us; for our life. He is waiting for more people to turn to Him. This is what we all must understand: He will only wait for so long, then He will let His Son, Jesus, know that "that's enough; go get My people". And this event will take place when we least expect it. That's why I think it's so important that we stay focused on Him (the Father).

We may not know when this event will take place, but we ought to know how it's going to happen. What is the Bible? It's His word, and what He says is going to happen; that's the way it's going to be.

Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away. (Mark 13:31)

But take ye heed: behold, I have foretold you all things. (Mark 13:23)

Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth. (Rev 2:16)

I don't know about you, but I love the word repent. If we use the word repent, along with love and believe, it draws us closer to God every day. Most of us try to be so perfect, but being perfect is not what brings us to heaven. (No one is perfect) It's what we believe that matters. We can choose to believe whatever we want, but is it going to be good? Jesus' blood was shed for our sins. If He was willing to do that much for us, how can we not be ready, and willing, to accept Him?

We are in the last days, and we should be prepared for His returning. How can we know? In Mark 13:3, there were several people that asked Jesus when all this was going to happen and they asked Him, "what will the signs be?" This was Jesus' answer...

And when ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars, be ye not troubled: for such things must needs be; but the end shall not be yet. For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be earthquakes in divers places, and there shall be famines and troubles: these are the beginnings of sorrows. (Mark 13:7-8)

Think about it! What is really happening in this world; all the things that are taking place in the Middle East, the wild fires, hurricanes, and so forth? You hear people talking about the world's greatest earthquake in history, or I should say, they're predicting the greatest earthquake in history. California is one of the states that is mentioned. Talking about all of this, how can someone not be ready to except Christ as their Lord and Savior?

For in those days shall be affliction, such as was not from the beginning of the creation which God created unto this time, neither shall be. And except that the Lord had shortened those days, no flesh should be saved: but for the elect's sake, whom he hath chosen, he hath shortened the days. And then if any man shall say to you, Lo, here is Christ; or, lo, he is there; believe him not: For false Christs and false prophets shall rise, and shall shew signs and wonders, to seduce, if it were possible, even the elect. But take ye heed: behold, I have foretold you all things. (Mark 13:19-23)

There is so much to write about in Revelation, I could go on, and on, and on. As you all know, we can only do so much at a time. I encourage all of you, if you are interested in knowing more about the return of Jesus, to just pick up the Bible and read about it.

Like we saw earlier, we don't know what hour He's coming, but we ought to know what's going to take place in that time. We can read it in the Bible. How do I know that? Because I looked it up. Don't ever feel like giving up because you don't understand everything that's in the Bible. I've read several things in the Bible many times, and didn't always understand the meanings, but with the help of other Christians, and with prayers, I was able to figure it out. So don't give up just because you don't clearly understand it!

In your prayers, ask God to show you and to help you understand it better. Trust me: that's not too much to ask of our Father. He will do anything to help His children understand His Word. Stay focused on the time we are in, and stay in His Word. May God bless all who read this.

 

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