Wait for it

Assuredly, I say to you, there are some standing here who shall not taste death till they see the Son of Man coming in His kingdom."  Matt 16:28  NKJV

 

There is an interesting phenomenon that happened in the years after Jesus ascended to Heaven.  His disciples seemed to be certain that He would return at some point in their lifetime and usher in the Kingdom of Heaven.  Accordingly, they lived their lives with the hope of the imminent return of Jesus Christ.  They gave all they had, sacrificed, most of them going to their death, with the hope of Christ before them. They believed what Jesus had told them:

 

In My Father's house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.    And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.  John 14:2-3  NKJV

But, He did not return. Each of them lived, and died.  

So, what happened?  Did Jesus mislead his disciples?  Has He forgotten about us?  Is He too busy?  Thankfully not!  No, Jesus promised to return, and return He will, in the Fathers timing:

"But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.  33 Take heed, watch and pray; for you do not know when the time is.  Mark 13:32-34  NKJV

And the disciples certainly did not miss out on anything:  When they died, they went into the presence of the Lord!

But due to the strange and uncertain times we are in, the question continues to arise, “Are we in the last days?”  The answer is – YES…but!  Yes we are in the Last Days, as the “Last Days” began with the ascension of Jesus into Heaven.  But, there are many things that God has for mankind, up through the centuries, including now, that will bring the timing of His arrival to perfect fruition.  God’s timing is always perfect.  Things are happening rapidly in our country and our world.  Things that indicate to me that change is indeed coming; and it may not be the change people expect. Global governance is coming, and it only confirms the prophecies given about the world system that will arise.

But we need not fret or worry.  Our place is not to worry, but to live our lives just like the disciples did – as if Jesus might return any day.  Each day we are given is another opportunity to live out our faith, to touch another person with the love of God, to live for Christ.

 

Till the whole world hears...

 Pastor Clay