April 28, 2023
To those who eagerly wait for [Christ] He will appear a second time, apart from sin, for salvation. Hebrews 9:28b
There is a gloriously transforming effect on the converted soul who looks eagerly for the coming of the Lord Jesus!
A widowed lady’s college roommate got in touch with her after their paths had not crossed for decades. It was wonderful to hear her voice on the phone (it sounded just the same!) as they made plans for a visit. Happily, she began organizing and dusting, cooking and freezing, thinking ahead toward all the catching up they had to do. But the day before her friend was to arrive, word came of a delay due to inclement weather: heavy late-winter storms had caused one delay after another.
At first, her disappointment set her in a wrong mood. But the next morning she realized that there were still quite a few things that needed attention. Now, in thankfulness for the extra time, she began checking corners and drawers and closets that were long unattended. The increased level of cleanliness in her home energized her and gave her a new sense of joyful anticipation as she thought of her old friend. Her continued preparations included replacing expired lightbulbs with new ones in several fixtures and lamps. The cheerful, welcome light highlighted some spiderwebs that had heretofore gone unnoticed. This would never do!
After two weeks of delays, her friend called to say that she was ill with a bad cold. Apologetically, she asked if she could take a “rain-check” on their plans to get together, not knowing when her job would allow for time away after taking “sick days.”
All this time, the widow’s “deep cleaning” mode had cultivated some good habits. She carried on in them and cherished the hope that her friend would come soon. In the process, she recognized many items she was not using, collecting and delivering them to her church for special projects in the community. All of the organizing and sharing begot more order, a sense of accomplishment, and a readiness to find even more ways of improvement. Never before had she known such enjoyment of her own home, the effects of which only increased her joyful anticipation of her friend’s arrival.
On that special day when her friend finally arrived, their reunion was all and more than she had anticipated! Their time together was indescribably joyful as they laughed and cried together, reliving memories, and eating delicious food that had been prepared ahead of time. Her friend commented gratefully on the refreshing atmosphere of welcome.
Most of us would say that we are “so ready” for the Lord’s return. But are we? Am I truly ready? What rooms in my “house” are gloomy, perhaps storing dusty boxes of unforgiveness, fermenting bottles of bitterness, or odiferous records of unconfessed sins? Will He find a gleeful welcome from me, or would the brightness of His coming only spotlight things that I am ashamed of?
Beloved, the illumination of His word and the light of the countenance of His Holy Spirit stand in readiness to assist all who willingly shift their gaze from worldly pursuits to heavenly ones . . . looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ. (Titus 2:13)