Jesus is Coming – Urgent Need to Be Prepared

Read: Mark 13:21-37

“But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.  Be on guard! Be alert You do not know when that time will come.

 Mark 13:32-33

The Bible records Jesus coming into the world as a child, as our Saviour. We celebrate His birth at Christmas and His rising again from the dead as our Saviour at Easter. If we believe what the Bible tells us about His first coming, we have no reason to doubt or question what the Bible says about His second coming. Jesus is coming again!

Today’s passage is just one among many that remind us very firmly that Jesus will return. We are also told clearly that the time of His return is not for any of us to know. Our focus, therefore, is to be on being prepared for His return rather than trying to work out and pre-empt the time and date of His return (not that any of us can!). We know that His return will be sudden and on a day like any other (Matthew 24:40-42) where one will be taken and the other left behind!

When Jesus came into the world for the first time He came silently as a small helpless baby, in a small non-descript town. He came as a human being to live and die so that He may atone for the sins of the world and in His resurrection save each one who believes from eternal death. But when He comes a second time, He comes as the Judge and King of the entire world. He will return on the clouds in majesty for the entire world to see and know. (Revelation 1:7) And the Bible tells us that at His return every knee shall bow and every tongue will confess that He is indeed Lord (Philippians 2:11). So, the question is will you and I choose Him now or be forced to acknowledge Him when He returns?

As His followers, how do we prepare for His coming?

Eight ways to prepare for Jesus’ Return

1. Choose Jesus: The foundation of our preparation is having a vibrant and intimate relationship with Jesus Christ. Choose Jesus as your Saviour, if you have not done so yet. The time is now.
2. Cultivate a personal relationship with Him by spending time in prayer, studying the Scriptures, and seeking to align our lives with His teachings.
3. Live a life of holiness and obedience: As followers of Jesus, we are called to live lives that honor Him. This means obeying what He says in His Word. This includes living in accordance with His commandments, pursuing righteousness, and turning away from sin. We are to strive to cultivate a lifestyle that reflects the character of Christ.
4. Be watchful and alert: Jesus exhorted His disciples to be watchful and ready for His return. This means being spiritually vigilant, discerning the signs of the times, and being aware of the spiritual realities at play in the world. It involves staying connected to God and being sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit.
5. Share the Gospel: As we anticipate Jesus’ return, we are called to actively participate in His mission of reconciling people to God. This involves sharing the good news of salvation through Jesus Christ, demonstrating His love to others, and making disciples. We should seek opportunities to proclaim the Gospel and be a witness for Christ in our words and actions.
6. Serve others in love: Jesus taught that serving others is an essential aspect of following Him. We are to seek to love and serve those around us, meeting the practical needs of others and demonstrating compassion and kindness. By serving others, we imitate the heart of Jesus and fulfill His commandment to love our neighbors.
7. Pray and seek God’s guidance: Prayer is a vital means of communication with God. As we prepare for Jesus’ return, we regularly seek His guidance, wisdom, and strength through prayer. We pray for His kingdom to come, for the spread of the Gospel, for spiritual revival, and for His will to be done on earth as it is in heaven.
8. Remain steadfast in faith: Amid challenges, trials, and uncertainties, it is crucial to remain steadfast in our faith. We should persevere in trust and obedience to God, knowing that He is faithful to fulfill His promises. Our hope in the return of Jesus should inspire us to endure, overcome, and continue to live faithfully.

As we eagerly await the return of Jesus, let us “Be on guard! Be alert! You do not know when that time will come.” (Mark 13:32-33). The certainty of His return should ignite a fire within us to live with purpose and intention for Christ Alone.

“The return of Jesus is not a mere theological doctrine; it’s a reality that should ignite our hearts with passion and compel us to share the Gospel with others.” – A.W. Tozer

Am I actively preparing myself for the return of Jesus, or am I caught up in the distractions of this world? How is my belief in Jesus’ second coming impacting the way I live my life today? Does the hope of Jesus’ return inspire me to endure, overcome, and continue living faithfully, even when faced with uncertainty?

Prayer

Lord, help me recognize and prepare for the truth of Your imminent return in majesty, amen.

Scripture Writing: Revelation 22:12

Song: In Christ Alone

For more daily devotions like this – At the Potter’s Wheel (Kindle)