Guess Whose Coming?

Looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus. Titus 2:13

This weekend, Debbie is coming to spend a few days with me. I can hardly wait. My mind continuously drifts to thoughts of her.

Debbie and I have been married for over 29 years. She is not only my wife, but also my best friend. Through good and hard times, we have walked God’s path together. During these challenging days I am reminded how intensely I need her.

What we do is insignificant; our plan is to simply be together. We just want to enjoy the comfort of one another’s presence. To hear her encouraging words, to laugh, to hold her, to be face to face, this is the desire of my heart and I wait expectantly.

Today I remembered someone else is coming. I don’t know exactly when. He might come before I finish this sentence. He is the Eternal Lover of my soul. He is my Savior, Lord and Master. He is my Bright and Morning star and the Alpha and Omega of my life. My Rock and Hiding Place. My Good Shepherd and my Blessed Hope.

He calls me His child, His treasured possession, His co-heir, His beloved, and His friend.

I wonder how often I passionately wait for His coming?
How much of my day is spent thinking of Him? Looking for His return? Desiring to be in His presence? Hoping this will be the day of His return?

I am afraid at times I might live like today would be too soon. I allow the tyranny of the urgent to crowd out God’s priorities. I have things to do and people to see. How could I possibly view His glorious return as an interruption to my puny life? If so, Father, do what you must to correct my spiritual vision and woo my fickle heart.

And inasmuch as it is appointed for men to die once and after this comes judgment so Christ also, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, shall appear a second time for salvation without reference to sin, to those who eagerly await Him. Hebrews 9:27-28

I want to be one who eagerly awaits Him. I have found several things will help me keep this heavenly perspective.

Read and meditate on scripture that reminds me of who Christ is and what He has done for me. The more I know Him, the more I love Him. This knowledge and love fuels my desire to be with Him as soon as possible. In time, no other person or thing can compete for my attention. I know that now I have only caught a glimpse of His glory. For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face; now I know in part, but then I shall know fully just as I also have been fully known. I Corinthians 13:12. Pastor John Piper writes, “God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him.”

Develop a holy anticipation of His return through prayer. Prayer is how I communicate with God and more importantly how He communicates with me. Hearing His voice resonate through my heart allows me to feel His presence and love. Every time Debbie and I talk, I want to talk more. Phone calls and emails only amplify the desire to talk to her in person. I can only imagine the divine pleasure in heaven at the moment when He first speaks my name.

Live everyday as if it is the day of His second coming.
· Make your day all about Him
· Walk in uncompromising obedience
· Live simply and unclutter your life
· Free yourself from the tyranny of the urgent
· Enjoy God and allow Him to surprise you
· Speak the truth in love
· Share the good news because you might be someone’s last chance
· Replace a heart judgment and criticism with words of encouragement and grace
· Forgive unconditionally
· Love everyone Jesus loves
· Give from a servant’s heart
· Make your life a living sacrifice

Yes, Debbie is coming, but even more certain, Christ is coming again. Who knows, they might both come this weekend. If that is so, you will find us just beyond the pearly gates at Starbucks worshipping our King in the throne room of God.

Eagerly waiting our Blessed Hope,
Dan