I was recently traveling. Three different airports. Multiple hours spent in waiting areas, multiple hours in cramped and uncomfortable seating. Now, I usually come prepared; I have multiple books and notepads, a portable CD player and plenty of music, a laptop computer. But that isn’t always a guarantee that these will keep my attention. Sometimes I just want to scream, with every car-tripping child out there, “Are we there yet?”
We have it on good authority that Christ is coming back, and that there is reward in store for those who patiently endure, remaining alert and faithfully doing the work God has prepared for them. The “wedding feast” at the culmination of history is something worth looking forward to. But that doesn’t mean it is always an easy ride. It can feel like a long hike with no end. Still, what we think about God’s promised rest has an impact on us in the day to day:
Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise. Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.
Hebrews 10:23-25Hebrews 10:23-25
English: Contemporary English Version (1999) - CEV
23 We must hold tightly to the hope that we say is ours. After all, we can trust the one who made the agreement with us. 24 We should keep on encouraging each other to be thoughtful and to do helpful things. 25 Some people have gotten out of the habit of meeting for worship, but we must not do that. We should keep on encouraging each other, especially since you know that the day of the Lord's coming is getting closer.
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What are the characteristics of those who truly believe in Christ’s return? They express love, encouraging each other in it. They live a life that is characterized by goodness. No, not perfection, but goodness, transformation in their hearts that is visible in their deeds. They meet together, building strong bonds that will weather the storms of life. Waiting for Christ is not an excuse to hide away, and those who truly hope in his return have every reason to encourage each other, to rejoice at meal time, to hug and cry together when things aren’t right.
Life is not easy. In fact, it can be quite difficult. (Duh!) We have loved ones who die. We have loved ones who betray us. We feel guilt for our sin, for our failures. We fight hard to comprehend and follow a God who doesn’t always follow our preconceived notions of fairness, love, mercy. But as we slug it out together, we find joy. Christ is coming back! He will reward those who have faithfully endured, those he unashamedly calls brothers and sisters.
Each day we have the choice to follow Christ, or to give in under the pressure of sin. When the world makes you want to run and hide, remember what drew you to him in the first place. Remember how great God is. Remember how great his love is, how trustworthy his promises are. Though your legs are shaky, stand firm. Though your arms tire, maintain a tight grip:
Think back on those early days when you first learned about Christ. Remember how you remained faithful even though it meant terrible suffering. Sometimes you were exposed to public ridicule and were beaten, and sometimes you helped others who were suffering the same things. You suffered along with those who were thrown into jail, and when all you owned was taken from you, you accepted it with joy. You knew there were better things waiting for you that will last forever.
So do not throw away this confident trust in the Lord. Remember the great reward it brings you! Patient endurance is what you need now, so that you will continue to do God’s will. Then you will receive all that he has promised.
“For in just a little while, the Coming One will come and not delay. And my righteous ones will live by faith. But I will take no pleasure in anyone who turns away.”
But we are not like those who turn away from God to their own destruction. We are the faithful ones, whose souls will be saved.
Hebrews 10:32-29Hebrews 10:32-29
English: Contemporary English Version (1999) - CEV
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