Be Ready

What do you believe about the second coming of Jesus Christ? Do you believe it is near? Many do, especially these times of global shakening in all pillars of society. Everything that can be shaken is being shakened. Revelation 22:20 says, “He who testifies to these things says, ‘Yes, I am coming soon’. Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.” This passage in the Scripture is not to alight on a date, but to encourage us ever to be ready for that wonderful event. Would you be ready to meet Him if Christ came today?

As we prepare for that day, let us remind ourselves these three things which we can draw from Hebrews 12:1-3:

Cast sin away. Sin is deadly. James 1:14-15 explains, “But each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. Then after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.” Remember that the Bible tells us: the thief comes only to steal, kill and destroy. What sins do we need to throw off this year? Many times, we lie because there are things that need to be hidden. Most likely, these things that are being hidden are sins as well. Do we steal the glory and honor that is due our Lord by being physically present in worship but mentally absent? Do we allow edifying words to come out of our mouths? Or do we say words that tear down instead of build up? Ephesians 5:3 says, “But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people.” Sin has extremely serious consequences. There is no better time to love Jesus with all our hearts than now. Jesus said, “If you love me, you will obey my commands.” One of those commands as we know is to throw sin away.

Run with perseverance. Life is a marathon. We have a race to run, and the race we run is different for each one. True enough, people have different circumstances but the love of God; and the grace of God is the same for all. Remember Noah who continued building the Ark that would save mankind and all creation amidst persecution, doubts and trials. His determination made all the difference. Like Noah, let us also make an impact by running our God-ordained race with perseverance.

Focus on Jesus. Jesus is the ultimate example of finishing the race. Hebrews 12:2 says, “Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Our life needs a focal point, and that focal point is Jesus.

So, as we are getting near to that wonderful event, let us cast sin away, run with perseverance, and focus on Jesus. Let go of the old, and put on the new. Sinful as we are, we need a Savior. Jesus is the only Savior. He paid a very painful price so that we may live in newness of life. Be ready for the second coming of Jesus Christ. Make sure you are living with God’s love, grace, and forgiveness.