12/21/18 - Rev 16

Dec 21, 2018

Look, I come like a thief!  Blessed are those who stay awake and remain clothed.   Rev 16:15

Don't waste time trying to predict His coming... Prepare for it!  He is coming soon!

Have you ever been waiting at a surprise birthday party for the guest of honor to arrive?  People are talking, trying to have fun, while at the same time tensely waiting for the signal to get quiet when the person is close.  Then, eventually the person is coming to the entrance, and everyone gets real quiet, then shouts out as loud as they can “surprise”.  J

Sometimes we think of Jesus’ return like a surprise party.  We’re all waiting for that day, and trying to pinpoint when it will happen.  Sometimes we look at current events and try to match them up to Scriptures, like a party lookout.  Other times, we relax and don’t think about it because nothing is going on down the street.  Secretly, we’re all either hoping it happens soon, or is delayed for a while.  But most of the thought about the end times is on the “timeframe”.

Jesus tells us through John that the timeframe is useless information!   In fact, it says in other passages that NOBODY (not even Jesus) knows the timeframe.  So why are we so focused on trying to figure it out.  Jesus says: “I come like a thief”.  In other words:

-          You’re not going to be in a group waiting for my arrival.  (Nobody is waiting for a thief to arrive.)

-          You’re not going to hear or see me coming.  Signs warn us but don’t predict it. (Sorry, there are no burglar alarm systems to warn us He is coming.)

-          You’re not going to be able to change at the last second.  It will happen before you know it started.  (Just like finding out your car or house was broken in to AFTER the fact.)

The only way to be prepared for Jesus’ coming is to LIVE for Him every day.  Trying to have your fun now and change later will not work.  MANY are the coffins filled with people who had intentions of following God, going to church, reading His Scriptures --- and never did!  Second Coming day is as close as your death, and there is no guarantee that day will be later.

Jesus offers us a blessing (God’s Lasting Favor).  If we live every day for Him (Stay awake), and practice our faith in obedience (remain clothed) --- we have NOTHING to predict!  His arrival will be our surprise party.  We’ll be excited and thrilled and blessed. 

Don’t be surprised by Jesus.  Be blessed by Him.  Stop trying to predict His coming and instead get prepared for it.  You’ll never regret that lifestyle all eternity long!