Monday musings
He said "quickly", not necessarily "soon". There is a big difference.
"And behold, I am coming quickly ... Behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to render to every man according to what he has done ... Yes, I am coming quickly." (Revelation 22.7, 12, 20)
It might be cause for doubt if the word, "soon", had been used by Jesus. After all, it's been over two thousand years, and He still hasn't returned (although our view of time is considerably different from His). But, He said, quickly" - with great suddenness. When the day and moment comes, it will be with the suddenness of "the twinkling of an eye" (1 Corinthians 15.52).
Based on Jesus' own teaching, there is indication of an extended period of time before His return (Matthew 24.42-51). But, the priority is always to be alert and expectant. Given our own mortality, His return could be much sooner than we realize.
A Second Coming people live their lives differently than other people do. They realize every moment really does matter. Decisions carry the weight of eternity. There is urgency to how we live, and what we do. For all we know, we could be a mere heartbeat from the grave, and then our next conscious moment would be that of the resurrection and His Second Coming. That thought frames the urgency of this day's needs and priorities.
Students of Bible prophecy often point to a list of prophecies to be fulfilled before Christ can return. Regardless of what is understood of prophetic events, there is ambiguity even for the best of scholars. As someone has said, Bible prophecies are signposts pointing into a great fog - a general direction can be noticed, but details are obscured.
Where do things stand between you and the Coming Christ? Have you conversed personally today? Have you - and are you daily - surrendered to Him as Savior and Lord? Are you about His business (Matthew 6.33)? This moment offers each of us the opportunity to reflect, and redirect.
Jesus left a universal directive: "What I say to you I say to all, 'Be on the alert!' " (Mark 13.37) This is the day to be attentive to key spiritual priorities, and the prompting of our Coming Savior. Live expectantly. Live faithfully. Live for Him.
"Amen.Come, Lord Jesus. The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all. Amen." (Revelation 22.20-21)
Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2013
Be sure to also visit http://thetruthrevolution.wordpress.com/
Amazon ebook devotional - http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FQ1Q9GW
"And behold, I am coming quickly ... Behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to render to every man according to what he has done ... Yes, I am coming quickly." (Revelation 22.7, 12, 20)
It might be cause for doubt if the word, "soon", had been used by Jesus. After all, it's been over two thousand years, and He still hasn't returned (although our view of time is considerably different from His). But, He said, quickly" - with great suddenness. When the day and moment comes, it will be with the suddenness of "the twinkling of an eye" (1 Corinthians 15.52).
Based on Jesus' own teaching, there is indication of an extended period of time before His return (Matthew 24.42-51). But, the priority is always to be alert and expectant. Given our own mortality, His return could be much sooner than we realize.
A Second Coming people live their lives differently than other people do. They realize every moment really does matter. Decisions carry the weight of eternity. There is urgency to how we live, and what we do. For all we know, we could be a mere heartbeat from the grave, and then our next conscious moment would be that of the resurrection and His Second Coming. That thought frames the urgency of this day's needs and priorities.
Students of Bible prophecy often point to a list of prophecies to be fulfilled before Christ can return. Regardless of what is understood of prophetic events, there is ambiguity even for the best of scholars. As someone has said, Bible prophecies are signposts pointing into a great fog - a general direction can be noticed, but details are obscured.
Where do things stand between you and the Coming Christ? Have you conversed personally today? Have you - and are you daily - surrendered to Him as Savior and Lord? Are you about His business (Matthew 6.33)? This moment offers each of us the opportunity to reflect, and redirect.
Jesus left a universal directive: "What I say to you I say to all, 'Be on the alert!' " (Mark 13.37) This is the day to be attentive to key spiritual priorities, and the prompting of our Coming Savior. Live expectantly. Live faithfully. Live for Him.
"Amen.Come, Lord Jesus. The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all. Amen." (Revelation 22.20-21)
Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2013
Be sure to also visit http://thetruthrevolution.wordpress.com/
Amazon ebook devotional - http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FQ1Q9GW
posted by steve @ 8:39 AM
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