Unexpected Visitor
Scripture Reading — Revelation 3:1-6
"I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what time I will come to you." Revelation 3:3
When I was a little boy and we were planning a family vacation, I would sometimes lie awake at night and wonder whether we'd get to go on our trip before Jesus returned. I wanted Jesus to come again, but I also wanted to see the Grand Canyon. So I thought it would be nice if he'd just hold off awhile so we could enjoy our vacation too. Years later I discovered that we adults have similar notions. We aren't opposed to Jesus' return. When we worship, we speak in hopeful terms that Jesus will come soon. Most of us tend to be quite certain that Jesus will return within our lifetime, or at least in this century. But for the immediate future, many of us like things the way they are. We have some pretty good business deals in the works. We'd like to enjoy a few years of retirement. We'd certainly like to tidy up some loose ends to our discipleship before Jesus comes. No wonder it's easy to put off preparations for the bridegroom's coming until it's too late (Matthew 25:1-13). Jesus reminds us that the timing of his return doesn't yield to our desires. Our responsibility is to prepare now for his return. What would change for us if we heard Christ preparing to open the gates of heaven today?
Lord, we so easily lose track of time. With all the entries in our datebooks, we forget that your coming is near. Find us faithful stewards at your return, we pray. In your name, Amen
About the author — Bob Heerspink
Dr. Robert Heerspink was director of Back to God Ministries International from 2006 until 2011, when he passed away. He had previously pastored several Christian Reformed churches. Bob loved to write and was a frequent contributor to the Today devotional.
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