1 Corinthians 15:50-58
Cynthia and I were enjoying a quiet evening at home. The house was unusually still, and we were sitting there sipping freshly perked coffee and having a quiet conversation. You know, one of those priceless moments you wish you could wrap up and bring out again when you really need it.
For some reason our discussion turned to the subject of Christ's return. Our comments ranged from chuckling over letting the folks in the Tribulation worry about cleaning out our garage to contemplating the joys that will be ours as we share eternity with family and friends in the Body of Christ.
Later that evening, however, I found myself returning again and again to the thought, He is coming back. What a difference it will make!
Is it a waste of time to focus on the Lord's return? Quite the contrary. It's biblical; it's the very thing Titus 2:13 says we ought to do: "looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Saviour, Christ Jesus."
This Bible of ours is full and running over with promises and encouragements directly related to the return of our Lord Jesus Christ. It's not just hinted at; it's highlighted. You can't read very far without stumbling upon it, no matter which book you choose. In the New Testament alone the events related to Christ's coming are mentioned over 300 times.
"OK, swell. But what do I do in the meantime?" I can hear all pragmatists asking.
First, it might be best for you to understand what you don't do. You don't sit around, listening for some bugle call or looking for the rapture cloud. You don't quit work. And you don't try to set the date because "the signs of the times" are so obvious!
You do get your act together.
You do live every day (as if it's your last) for His glory.
You do work diligently on your job and in your home (as if He isn't coming for another 10 years) for His Name's sake.
Other than that, I don't know what to tell you. Except, maybe, if you're not absolutely sure you're ready to fly, get your ticket fast. As long as they are available, they're free. But don't wait. About the time you finally make up your mind, the whole thing could have happened, leaving you looking back instead of up.
He is coming! What a difference it will make!
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Excerpted from Day by Day with Charles Swindoll, Copyright © 2000 by Charles R. Swindoll, Inc. (Thomas Nelson Publishers). All rights reserved worldwide. Used by permission.