You probably followed the news about the pastor who predicted the world would end on May 21st. Since that didn’t turn out, he is now saying October 21st, which is not a good day for me since the Giants will probably be in the play-offs.
Isn’t it amazing that someone can believe they know the date of Christ’s return when Jesus said no man knows the hour or day, including the Son of God? The presumption over Jesus Himself is truly staggering.
One thing I am thankful for though is this pastor, in his misguided way, has turned our attention to Christ’s return. The only thing worse than trying to predict the date of Christ’s return is to ignore it altogether or live indifferently to this glorious truth – Jesus is coming back. And we are told basically one thing: watch for it. Let’s live our lives and ministries in the light of this blessed hope. I personally think we don’t live intentionally enough on this one.
I love memories of Christmas approaching as a child. There was an “I can’t wait” factor that colored everything. It gave energy, joy, anticipation that we carried with us as children. It was contagious. It obliterated the drudgery of daily life with a looking forward.
What would our lives and ministries look like if we cultivated this, talked about it, proclaimed it in word and deed? Would we not be changed by this watchfulness and urgency?
What would this mean to our friends in club? I personally love to talk to them about Jesus’ return and the glimpses they are getting of the imminent kingdom and the coming King. I love to encourage them by reminding them this is not all there is. There is something more. Something better God has planned. Something wonderful on the horizon.
Watch for it. Expect it. Paul exhorted the Thessalonians to expect Christ’s return. Paul said, “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” (I Thessalonians 5:11)
Hebrews 10:23-25 says, “Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together as some are in the habit of doing but let us encourage one another and all the more as you see the day approaching.” Let’s look for Jesus on the clouds of heaven together every day in a way that transforms us and our ministries.
“He who testifies to these things says, ‘Yes, I am coming soon. Amen. Come Lord Jesus.’” (Revelation 22:20)
In glorious day by day hope!
Nick
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