The return of Christ necessitates that we live in ready and anxious anticipation of His coming. Woe to that person caught unawares at His return (Luke 21:34–36; 1 Thessalonians 5:2–3). His second coming has always been the plan, and Jesus made certain we understand that (John 14:2–3; Acts 1:11). What then should be our response? I like how J. C. Ryle put it:
“Our plain duty then is to live always prepared for His return. Let us walk by faith and not by sight. Let us believe in Christ, serve Christ, follow Christ, and love Christ. So living, whenever Christ may return, we shall be ready to meet Him.” That sounds like a plan to me! Jesus is coming back, and we have no excuse not to be found ready (Matthew 24:44; Luke 12:40).