I often think about Jesus coming to earth, living a sinless life, being crucified for my transgressions, resurrecting in a physical way, and then ascending into heaven. What I fail to keep on the forefront of my mind is that He is coming back. The same Bible that talks about the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus talks about his second coming to earth to take believers to Heaven and to judge those who do not believe.
I read 2 Peter 3:10, "But the day of the Lord will come like a thief". Meaning that Jesus' second coming is unknown to us. We don't know when Jesus is coming back, but we do know that He is. There is an obvious element of surprise involved. The next verse says, "you ought to live holy and godly lives as you look forward to the day of God and speed it's coming." I understand (after limited research) the phrase "and speed it's coming" as us playing a role in the second coming of Christ. Previous to this passage it speaks about how God does not want anyone to perish, and He is thus being patient to return. My life, if lived in a godly and holy way can actually hasten the coming of Christ back to earth. What am I doing to speed the coming of Jesus? Frankly, I embarrassed and convicted by my answer.
The verses following say this, "since you are looking forward to this (his second coming), make every effort to be found spotless, blameless, and at peace with Him." I don't know who reads my blogs on a daily basis. I know my parents, siblings, and a few friends frequently visit. I know that sometimes people stumble upon my ramblings on accident. What I do not know is where each person stands in their relationship with Jesus. But, as you read from this previous verse, it is imperative to be found spotless, blameless, and at peace with Him, when Jesus comes back. How is that done? By believing that Jesus is the son of God, sent to earth ultimately to die for our sin.
Because God is perfect, my sins and shortcomings (and they are numerous!) separated me from Him. But " you who were once far away from God were brought near through the blood of Christ" (Ephesians 2:13). My belief in Christ's perfect life, sacrificial death, and physical resurrection has brought me close to God. How can I be found spotless, blameless, and at peace with God, when Jesus comes back like 2 Peter 3:14 warns? My moral record is not spotless. I do not live a blameless life. My thoughts, actions, and attitudes have caused division between me and God. But like the above verse says, Jesus brings me near to God through his death. Jesus makes me spotless. Jesus makes me blameless. Jesus makes me at peace with God.
This is why I serve Jesus. This is why I love Jesus.
The journal of a lady in love with 3 blue eyed men.
4 comments:
Amen!!!
Bethany this is one of your best blogs yet. I am amazed at how well you communicate your thoughts. I often think about Jesus returning and I too wonder what I am doing to hurry it along. It seems sometimes we want him to wait (selfishly) because we want to get married, have kids, watch them grow up, etc, etc. We fail to realize what we are missing by not being with Jesus! It seems we are so content with our present life and comforts we see no need for Jesus to come back.
What I wish we could all see is that this world is not what God intended it to be. We are missing so much! We should be anxious to hurry the coming of the Kingdom of God that we might once again have pure and holy communion with God. No more death or fear,no more tears or sickness only absolute love and peace. I see the signs of the times and my heart cries "Come quickly Lord Jesus!"
So Bethany, when are you going to write that book!
AMEN SISTA!
This was a very challenging post. It is so easy to get caught up in selfish desires and not be focusing on what is really important.
P.S. You are an amazing writer!
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