And now, dear children, remain in fellowship with Christ so that when he returns, you will be full of courage and not shrink back from him in shame.
1 John 2:28 NLT
Fellowship means “a body of companions”, and a companion is “someone I break bread with”. Can there be a better word to describe our ongoing friendship with God and with each other? In the Last Supper, we remember that Christ’s life and death are for the redemption of humanity. This meal continues until Christ returns as he has promised to do. Then the meal concludes in a heavenly banquet in which we each participate.
Life consumes every waking moment. I, and many others, I assume, give little thought to Jesus’ return. Yet, scripture encourages us to be ready, for none of us want to be taken by surprise. We cannot determine when that return will be as some have foolishly sought to do.
I seek to live with a sense of anticipation in God’s return. This offers me a healthy perspective on the rest of my life. I sometimes feel as though I’m drowning in deadlines and daily demands, but I do not want that noise to dull my senses to the presence of God. I want my life characterised by an attentiveness to the “now” presence of God. Then, I trust, I will have a heart that is ready for Christ’s return.
How sad if we know all about God, yet are so unprepared for Jesus’ return that we shrink back in fear, uncertain of this person and this event. We want to run into Jesus’ embrace and rest in the fulfilment of our responsibility of living the God life as if it mattered.
QUESTION
Do you think about the return of Jesus?
PRAYER
Come again, Lord Jesus, and return to claim your own.
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