The uncertain times we are living in now bring about many thoughts and questions. The one topic that is on the mind of some is: Is the end near? Is the day of the Lord at hand?
Jesus, while here on earth many years ago, stated: “I will come again” (John 14:3, 28). When Jesus ascended to heaven following His resurrection, the angel of the Lord spoke to the disciples: “This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven” (Acts 1:11). Jesus is coming back; there is no doubt about it. The first time, He came as the Savior. The second time, He will be coming as the Judge. “And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work” (Revelation 22:12). Will He come in our lifetime?
D.S. Warner, who lived some hundred years ago, expressed that perhaps the Lord would come in his lifetime. The world is still standing today. Many have felt perhaps He might come in their lifetime. We know not the hour, but His return is imminent. Just as we sense and see that winter is on its way, so we see the signs of our times and know that the day of the Lord is at hand. Peter compares His coming as a “thief in the night” (2 Peter 3:10). He will come when it is least expected.
I’ve read of saints who would look out the window on a regular basis and wonder if today would be the day of His coming. They lived with expectancy and watchfulness that He might come at this very moment. This is in accordance with the teaching of Jesus. In the gospel of Mark, Jesus says: “But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Take heed, watch and pray; for you do not know when the time is” (Mark 13:32-33).
Perhaps this short story will help illustrate the command of being ready and watchful when we know not the hour of His coming. A young lady, whose parents had died while she was an infant, had been kindly cared for by a dear friend of the family. Before she was old enough to know him, he went to Europe. Regularly he wrote to her through all his years of absence and never failed to send her money for all her wants. Finally, word came that during a certain week he would return and visit her. He did not fix the day or the hour. She received several invitations to take pleasant trips with her friends during that week. One of these was of so pleasant a nature that she could not resist accepting it. During her trip, he came, inquired as to her absence, and left. Returning, she found this note: “My life has been a struggle for you; might you not have waited one week for me?” More she never heard, and her life of plenty became one of want.
Jesus has not fixed the day or hour of His return, but He has said, “Watch.” Should He come today, would He find us absorbed in thoughtless dissipation? May we be found each day in the expectant attitude of those watching for a loved one. When He comes, “every eye will see Him” (Revelation 1:7), and it will be the last day. Time will be no more. Therefore, Scripture says, “Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation” (2 Corinthians 6:2), for we know not what hour will be the last hour. Should the Lord tarry in coming, it is because He “is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9). Let us be encouraged by the words of Christ to the faithful church in Philadelphia, “Behold, I am coming quickly! Hold fast what you have, that no one may take your crown” (Revelation 3:11).
Jake Wiebe, Waterloo (CA)
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