Brother, Are You Ready?

Scott and Andrea were planning a trip to Rome over Spring Break.  The third week of March, every year, they go on a great big, fabulous vacation.  My wife, Carol, goes down to Phoenix that week, each year, to spend time with her elderly parents.  She relieves Andrea, her sister, who takes care of Mom and Dad the rest of the year.

Sometime near the end of February we heard that Scott was completely packed, ready for the vacation. Totally packed.  His suitcase was full, zipped up, by the foot of the bed, ready to load in the car and head for the airport.  Then we heard, just before vacation, that Scott unpacked his suitcase, took out the shirts, ironed them, and then repacked.

Now if that isn’t being ready for the big trip then I don’t know what ready is.  They say that perhaps the best part of a vacation is the anticipation and preparation.  But Scott took it to the next level.

Those of us who know Jesus as Lord and Savior are planning for a big trip, too.  We are going to be resurrected or raptured, caught up to be with Jesus when He returns (I Thes 4:14-18).  Some of us will be able to anticipate our death and prepare our heart to meet the Lord. But many of us will meet Jesus unexpectedly, either in a sudden unexpected death, or in the rapture.  Any way it happens for me is fine, but it would sure be amazing to be caught up into the air to meet the Lord when he returns.

I asked a group that I was teaching, recently, how many of you are ready to stand face to face with God.  Not one of them could say they felt ready.  Not one of them could say that they were anxiously awaiting that encounter, like Scott looking forward to his vacation.  I was somewhat shocked, thinking the response would probably be about fifty-fifty.

I regularly read and evaluate writings and speculations concerning end times. And I am growing more and more secure in saying that the Lord’s return is “right at the door” (Mt 24:33).  We cannot be careless and carefree about our eternal destiny, living as though His promised return is nowhere near. That is sheer foolishness.

Are you ready to meet Jesus? Or are you living independent of God, selfish and aloof?  Are you so full of guilt and shame, even though you try hard to be “righteous”, that you are afraid to look him in the face?  If so, relax, and trust His love and grace, walk with the Spirit, trust a friend and live in light rather than hiding.  Then, even though you may still stumble along the road of grace, you will be ready.

Do you have your bags packed?  Are you ready?