Today I have been thinking a lot about the return of Jesus. Some people believe when Jesus returns, he will come before the tribulation - the seven years under the control of the Antichrist. Others would say Jesus will return at the end. Everyone, Christian or non-Christian, will have to go through this time. I don't know where I stand on this issue or concern for Christ's return, but I know I need to be expecting Him.
I was reading a book, When Christ Comes, by Max Lucado. He made the statement we should be waiting in anticipation for Christ's return. As I started thinking about this, I really had some thoughts about waiting in anticipation.
I can remember a few months back when my sister and brother-in-law were scheduled to come and visit. I remember waiting and waiting for them to get to our house. Watching the door, lisening for the phone to ring, and even calling them to see "where they were" on their journey here is only a short list of things we did that day waiting for them to come. We had tried to ready the house and get their room in order making sure they would be as comfortable as they could be here. And, once they were here, we were glad they had finally arrived and were relaxing and enjoying their presence during their stay. Yes, we had activities planned, but we tried to be as leisure as we possibly could.
As I thought about this, I wondered how excited are we at the arrival of Jesus. Do we sit in anticipation calling on Him wondering when He is returning? Do we stand at the door watching the heavens to see if we might catch a glimpse of Him? Do we ready the house and make sure everything is in order? The Bible says that our bodies are the temple of God - His house. Are our houses ready for Him to stay in? Do we really anticipate Him coming or do we go through everyday not planning? As I thought about all of this, something came to mind - He is the Host to us! He is getting the house ready. He is making sure everything is perfect for our arrival. He is standing at His Father waiting with anticipation for Him to say, "Go, Get My Children!" Do you remember the excitment of the arrival of family or friends at your house? Think about how excited He may be. Do you think He may be asking the question to God, "Is it time, yet?" Do you think He is watching in anticipation for God to give the signal? I believe He is. It excites my heart to think He is waiting in anticipation for me. To come and get me and all of the believers of this world to take them to Heaven to be forever in the presences of God is a marvelous wonder to me. I can hardly wait to see Him! Oh, I want to see Him!
