Rest Assured?

It is said that written around the dial of a clock in a church building in Strasburg, Germany, are these words: “One Of These Hours The Lord Is Coming.” What an appropriate reminder! Though that day and hour are not known ( Matthew 24:36), the hour will come in accordance with God’s timetable. Perhaps some would state, “Rest assured Jesus is coming again”; meaning it can be counted on or it will most certainly take place! However, “rest” may not necessarily be the best word to associate with that expectation. When Jesus returns -- or should death bring our departure from this realm before His coming -- that will then be the time for rest. Now is the time to press on -- though in expectation of that hour -- in what would be associated with proper preparedness ( Matthew 24:44) for ourselves and others for whenever the time may be.

In Paul’s letter to Titus we read…
“(11) For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, (12) training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to LIVE SELF-CONTROLLED, UPRIGHT, AND GODLY LIVES in the present age, (13) WAITING FOR OUR BLESSED HOPE, THE APPEARING OF THE GLORY OF OUR GREAT GOD AND SAVIOR JESUS CHRIST, (14) who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are ZEALOUS FOR GOOD WORKS.” ( Titus 2:11-14 ESV)

We wait, but not idly. We wait, but with a sense of diligence in LIVING GODLY LIVES (vs. 12) here in this present age while (vs. 14) nurturing a zealousness for GOOD WORKS. As Christians we ought to live in joyful anticipation of meeting our Lord while still recognizing the Will of God we are to BE DOING in the meantime.

When Paul encourage the Christians at Corinth with regard to the eternity with Christ that is to come, he exhorted…

“Therefore, my beloved brothers, BE STEADFAST, IMMOVABLE, ALWAYS ABOUNDING IN THE WORK OF THE LORD, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.” ( 1 Corinthians 15:58 ESV)

Being “steadfast” and “immovable” is with regard to our life’s association with the truth of Jesus and all that relates to it. However, our activity is to be marked by ABOUNDING IN THE LORD’S WORK! May we not confuse the waiting and working, but recognize their proper relation as all of our life activity points our attention toward our eternity with Him.

Have a great day MARKED BY ACTIVE ANTICIPATION!
Carl

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