While Waiting For Christ's Return, Live For Him

 Dear Saints,

What do you do while waiting for a loved one who went on a distant journey to return?

 

You know for sure he is coming, but you don't know the exact time of arrival. Don't you wait patiently, knowing you will be overjoyed when you see him? Don't you prepare and clean the house and get other things ready?

 

Don't you make his favorite food and all that makes him happy? Don't you tell your friends, co-workers, other family members, and many others about the return of your loved one?

 

Don't you live with excitement and profound joy even when your loved one hasn't yet arrived?

 

Do you listen to a contrary message from someone who doesn't know your loved one and has not been in touch with him? Do you believe when this person says your loved one is not returning?

 

Do you engage in activities that would embarrass your loved one, knowing he may find you doing so when he returns? Do you start fighting with your neighbors, friends, and family and making your home filled with hatred, jealousy, and evil that take away the joy of waiting for your loved one?

 

Don't you wait and watch for the doorbell?

 

What if your loved One is Jesus Christ, the very person of God the Son? Wouldn't your joy and excitement go over the roof? Knowing now that Jesus is the One you are waiting for, then listen to Peter as we continue our study of 2 Peter 3:

 

"And so, dear friends, while you are waiting for these things to happen [everything to burn up], make every effort to be found living peaceful lives that are pure and blameless in his sight.

 

15 And remember, our Lord's patience gives people time to be saved. This is what our beloved brother Paul also wrote to you with the wisdom God gave him— 16 speaking of these things in all of his letters. Some of his comments are hard to understand, and those who are ignorant and unstable have twisted his letters to mean something quite different, just as they do with other parts of Scripture. And this will result in their destruction." 2 Peter 3:14-16.

 

Peter is saying to wait for Jesus Christ's return with patience, knowledge of the truth, and obedience to the truth.

 

The truth is that Jesus is coming soon and has not yet come for one reason: "And remember, our Lord's patience gives people time to be saved." 2 Peter 3:15.

 

If you, as a follower of Christ, think you are alive for any other reason, then you are very mistaken. Our reason for living must be the same as Jesus'. You are not here to obtain the best salary-paying job, the most incredible sales from Marcy's, or the best education and house in the world. Of course, God provides for His own.

 

Are people being "saved" a concern for you? Do you care that people are saved from the doom described so far? Listen, "the present heavens and earth have been stored up for fire. They are being kept for the day of judgment, when ungodly people will be destroyed." 2 Peter 3:7.

 

Who is the ungodly? He who has rejected Christ's sufficient sacrifice for sins is the ungodly.

 

We have all sinned. We all need a Savior. "But how can they call on him to save them unless they believe in him? And how can they believe in him if they have never heard about him? And how can they hear about him unless someone tells them? 15 And how will anyone go and tell them without being sent?" Romans 10:14-15.

 

Friend, you and I have been sent (John 20:21). Someone told us about salvation in Christ. I have given gospel tracts to people who later claim to be believers. Often I get responses, "I am good." I would say give it to someone who does not believe in Christ. A lot refuse, and some say yes. Are you one of the "I am good" and don't care for others to be saved?

 

Lord, help us to be about your business of saving souls. That's the only business we have. Why don't you join the Father's business instead of looking for the "best" jobs? You can do his business in any career and wherever you find people.

 

Who will you pray for and introduce to Christ today and tomorrow until you and I die or Christ returns, whichever comes first? 

 

Jesus is coming soon. He said He would be ashamed of those who are ashamed of him here and now. Please check it in Luke 9:26. Are you ashamed of talking about Christ? Let us be warned. Amen.

Are you saved? If you are, then tell someone else. May God help you and I do so as we wait patiently for Christ's return. Amen. If not saved, please confess your sins, repent, ask for God's forgiveness, and ask Him to fill you with His Holy Spirit to live for Him. Amen.