August 22: RETURN

See it:

The coming of the Son of Man can be illustrated by the story of a man going on a long trip. When he left home, he gave each of his slaves instructions about the work they were to do, and he told the gatekeeper to watch for his return. You, too, must keep watch! For you don’t know when the master of the household will return—in the evening, at midnight, before dawn, or at daybreak. Don’t let him find you sleeping when he arrives without warning. I say to you what I say to everyone: Watch for him! Mark 13:34-37 (NLT)

Obey it:

Jesus is coming back. That statement causes fear in some, happiness in others, and a yawn to others. Today’s text encourages us to do three things:

1.      Stay occupied. Some people in our church dedicate their attention to last-day conspiracies. Jesus says to stay busy. It’s not your job to figure out when it will happen, but to understand that it will happen.

2.      Stay alert. It can happen any time. If you noticed the text says that He will come at night, which is a time otherwise reserved for sleeping (evening, midnight, before dawn). The temptation is to relax. Don’t. Instead, occupy until He comes. Watch and pray.

3.      Stay expectant. It can happen this year. It can happen in ten years. The expectation keeps our hope alive, and that hope provides strength in the middle of the trials.

My dad traveled sometimes. When he would come home to our home in Cayey, PR, I remember one time he brought me a watch from his trip. It came in a little box, and I was so thankful and happy when I received it. I can just think of the day when my heavenly Father returns. Not with a box, but with my salvation in His hands.

Share it:
1. Send a friend an old photo and recall old times.
2. Send a random person in the phonebook a small gift.
3. Send your sibling or family member or co-worker a small gift anonymously.

My prayer today:
Lord, I look forward to your coming. Not with fear or a yawn but with expectation and hope. Help me stay busy helping others in the meantime. Amen.

Season of Service by Roger Hernandez