In Matthew’s Gospel we read about the Magi who came to King Herod in Jerusalem from the east. They asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw His star when it rose and have come to worship Him.” (Matthew 2:2) This news greatly troubled Herod and all Jerusalem. So, Herod called the chief priests and teachers of the law and asked them where the Messiah was to be born. “In Bethlehem in Judea,” they replied, for they knew the Old Testament prophecies. But what astounds me is that knowing this crucial, life-changing information, none of the priests or teachers of the law accompanied the Magi to Bethlehem! They had awaited the coming of the Messiah for centuries. Now, He had been born. They knew when and where to look for Him, but they were merely content to continue going about their business. How sad this is!
But what about us? Jesus, our Messiah, is coming back. He promised He would. And like the star of Bethlehem that led the Magi to Jesus, the Lord has given us signs of His return. I don’t know whether Jesus will return in our lifetime. I desperately hope He does! But what I do know is that He told us to “keep watch,” and “be ready.” (Matthew 24:42 & 44) We must live each day as though He were coming today, for He may return today. Are you ready?
Peter warned, “that in the last days scoffers will come…they will say, ‘Where is the promise of His coming? For since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of creation.’” (2 Peter 3:3-4 NKJV) Peter goes on to explain, “the Lord is not slow in keeping His promise, as some understand slowness. Instead He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” (2 Peter 3:9)
So, how should we live right now in view of Christ’s return? “You ought to live holy and godly lives as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming.” (2 Peter 3:11-12) You might wonder, “How can we speed the coming of the Lord?” I think He gives us two primary ways. First, we already saw the hint in 2 Peter 3 that the Lord is not willing that anyone should perish. Jesus said, “The Good News about the Kingdom will be preached throughout the whole world, so that all nations will hear it; and then the end will come.” (Matthew 24:14 NLT) This first way is to share the Good News of salvation with others. Share Christ with those around you. The second way to speed His coming is simply to pray for it. We see this in Revelation 22:20, “He who testifies to these things says, ‘Yes, I am coming soon.’ Amen. Come Lord Jesus.” Lord, we long for Your coming!
Scripture Reading: 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11
Personal Application: To what extent are you watching for and longing for the Lord’s return? To what extent are you ready for His return and seek to speed it coming?
Jim Grassi, D. Min.
We cherish any verse in Scripture that reminds us to keep focused and intentional about evangelism and discipleship. “But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry.” 2 Timothy 4:5