Are you waiting with anticipation for the Lord’s return? Have you even thought about it today? Most of us go through our days without thinking Christ could return at any moment. We know it, but it’s not something we keep front of mind. The return of Christ is the most glorious thing a Christian could ever desire. It’s why we live this life.
We place our faith in Jesus because of His love and sacrifice for us, and in return He promises to bring us into eternal life with Him (John 14:2–3; 1 Thessalonians 4:16–17). The pain and drudgery of this life are only endurable because we have the wonderful hope of His promise to rescue us from it all (Romans 8:18). Why, then, do we give so little thought to His return?
Jesus warns us that no one knows when He will return (Matthew 24:36). The only certainty is that He will come at an hour we do not expect (Matthew 24:44). The only way to be prepared is to always be prepared. That means living with a great deal of intention, always expecting His return. It’s something we should look forward to more than any other event in our lives. It should go without saying that nothing even comes close to this event.
Yet, we spend our lives looking forward to sporting events, birthdays, family events, promotions, graduations, even to the latest release of a new piece of technology. We look forward to so many things but give little thought to the imminent return of our King. Those not waiting with anticipation of their King are foolish and doomed (Matthew 25:1–13). God does not mince words about their fate (Matthew 24:48–51).
How do we live waiting with anticipation of Christ’s return? Paul tells us to discard the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light (Romans 13:11–12). We cannot live for the things of this world while keeping an eye out for Jesus. That’s an illusion God will not tolerate (1 John 2:15–17). We must live righteous and holy lives as we wait for Jesus to come back (Titus 2:11–13). James tells us to be patient, strengthening our hearts until the Lord returns (James 5:7–8). We should spend our days pursuing the things of God, not the things of this world (Colossians 3:1–2).
Peter instructs us to lead holy lives as we “earnestly desire the coming of the day of God” (2 Peter 3:10–12). He also exhorts us to be ready for action, having our minds set on the grace of Christ alone (1 Peter 1:13). When Jesus returns, He is going to repay each person according to what they have done (Revelation 22:12). There will be no last-minute bargaining or haggling for salvation or inclusion in His Kingdom. When He returns, it will be glory for those who believe in Him and live their lives for Him, and death for those who do not (2 Thessalonians 1:5–9).
The return of Christ is sheer horror for anyone not found in Him, but glorious redemption, celebration, and exaltation for those who love Him and spend their lives anticipating His coming. To live as if that day isn’t the most important focus of our lives is to betray our belief in Him. To live as if that day will never come is pure foolishness (2 Peter 3:3–4). He is coming back (Acts 1:11) and those who love Him will experience everything we ever hoped or desired (1 Corinthians 2:9). It will be the best day we will ever experience in this life and the reason for us to get up tomorrow, because tomorrow could be that day! Keep your eyes on Jesus and live for His return. It is the only way to be ready for His coming.