"It will be good for those servants whose master finds them watching when he comes.” Luke 12:37
Not so long ago I heard about a bunch of drivers who were on an interstate in Pennsylvania. They were proceeding at a pretty good speed, and by that I mean an illegal speed, until they saw a state highway patrol car coming down the ramp. One after another, the cars’ brake lights flashed on and they slowed down to the posted limit. Everyone behaved. Still, every single driver kept glancing in his rearview mirror, impatiently waiting for that moment when the officer would pull off the road. After a few miles, the policeman activated his bullhorn and broadcast this message: “I’m not a Pennsylvania State policeman … I’m from Connecticut! You can speed up now!” The impatient drivers did.
Most of us are impatient. When we go to a department store, we scan the registers to see which line is shortest and check out the stuff in the other carts to see who will take longer to ring out. At the bank's drive-up window, we go where the line is shortest. At the fast food place, we get upset if someone ahead of us places a big order. Since we are so impatient, many find it hard to follow Jesus’ advice to be watching for His return. “After all,” we think, “it’s been almost 2,000 years. Just when is He coming back?” Then, armed with a feeling that the Lord’s return won’t be soon, we live our lives the way we want. That’s dangerous. The truth is, the day of the Lord is coming.
Too much of the human race has become caught up in the rat race that they’ve forgotten about the spiritual race. If you forget about the day your income tax is due that doesn't mean you don't have to pay taxes. If you forget to renew your driver's license that doesn't mean it remains valid. If you forget Jesus is coming that doesn’t mean He won’t come; nor will you be excused if you are unbelieving and ill-prepared.
Believe Him. He who kept His promise to fulfill the law for us, to carry our sins for us, to die for us, and on the third day to rise from the dead, will keep His promise to return on Judgment Day. Whether that day is soon or 10,000 years from now, be ready. Believe in your Savior and wait patiently for Him who will make Judgment Day a joyful day.
Excerpt from The Lutheran Hour sermon preached on August 22, 2004
THE PRAYER: Gracious Lord, may the power of Your Holy Spirit guide and direct me to serve You in Your Kingdom today. Give me the strength to await Your return as I share Your promise with others. Amen.
Today's Bible Readings: Psalms 24-26 John 10:22-42
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