Are you ready?

By Pastor Eric

Being a parent has its ups and downs, its side to sides, and of course the joys! What a blessing from God to be given the privilege to raise up, love, and care for our children, his children. As a father of four beautiful young ladies, I know that having all girls can come with its own unique and challenging situations. Have you ever tried to get four girls out the door to go somewhere? Fifteen minutes of changing clothing, another fifteen minutes doing hair, fifteen more putting makeup on, fifteen minutes finding the right shoes to match, and after 45 minutes I’m asleep in the recliner. What is taking so long…? “We’re getting ready, dad!” 

This got me thinking. People spend a lot of time “getting ready” for things. Whether it’s working on your school assignments as you “get ready” for exams, practicing for hours on your instrument to “get ready” for your band concert, or even running through the playbook for weeks in advance to “get ready” for the big game on Friday night. “Getting ready” for bed, or a vacation, or the school dance, or maybe visiting colleges as you “get ready” to transition from High School. Lets face it, we spend a great deal of time GETTING READY for the things of life.

What are we doing to “get ready” for the return of Jesus? Scripture is very clear that one day–nobody knows the time or day but the Father–Jesus will return to judge, restore, and to reign (Matthew 24:36).  Are we getting ready? 

It’s easy, as we wait for the return of Jesus, to become lazy and to find ourselves idle. We long for the return of our savior, to find ourselves among the saints for all of eternity–but the wait can feel like forever. Shouldn’t we be doing something to get ready? Three things come to mind as we remain vigilant in our waiting, “getting ready” for the Lord’s return (Matthew 24:42). 

First, we are called to grow continuously into the likeness of Christ himself (Galatians 2:20). In all we do and think we should be seeking to look more and more like Jesus everyday. Are you “getting ready” by putting on the fruits of the Spirit, living a sacrificial life, loving unconditionally, serving with a humble heart, slipping on the clothing of holiness and righteousness? If we are going to be ready for the return of Christ, we need to seek the likeness of Christ in every part of our lives (1John 3:2-3).

Second, we are called to endure the world, to stand firm in our faith as it tries to deceive and redirect our path. We need to stand firm in the face of the evil one, the lies and temptations he would whisper in our ears. We need to ready ourselves from the attacks of the world by digging our feet into the only truth–God’s word. We get ready by strengthening our faith, holding true to God’s sovereignty, his promises, and the hope we have in the salvation that comes through Christ Jesus (2 Timothy 3:1-5). We are not to conform to the world but rather lean into Jesus, standing apart from it, in his power and his authority. 

And third, we should not be idle or fall into a life of laziness but rather use our God-given gifts to serve his Kingdom (Romans 12:11). Ephesians 2:10 tells us that we are God’s masterpiece, made in his image, and made to do good works. God has a purpose for each   of us, to love God with all that we are, to love our neighbors as Christ does, and to share the good news of the returning Savior with the world. There is no time for sitting around and waiting without purpose. Just like the disciples, who were sent out with specific tasks, we have been called and sent out to do the work of the Kingdom. Jesus is not looking for armchair Christians but those ready to get in the game and do hard things for his sake and for his glory. Just as Christ came into the world to serve, we too are called to “get ready” by actively serving while we anticipate his return (Mark 10:45). 

Are you “getting ready” for the return of the King? Are you prepared to hear those words of Matthew 25:23, Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!” 

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