Looking Up -- April 29, 2009

For the Son of Man will come in the glory of His Father with His angels, and then He will reward each according to his works.
Matthew 16:27

As we work our way through life, let’s not lose sight of the fact Jesus is coming back. Whenever we think about Jesus coming back several things should cross our minds. Jesus' imminent return should cause evaluation of the purity of our lives; it should cure us of casually pursuing Jesus; it should comfort us in the distress of life; it should encourage us to do good works.

When Jesus returns He will come with judgment for the living and the dead. Christians and unbelievers will both be judged. After that the believers' works will be judged with fire and only precious materials will be left. The chaff of works done in selfishness will be consumed in the fire. The believer will still be saved but he will only take the pure works of worship into the kingdom with him. (1 Corinthians 3:12-15)

We know whatever trial, temptation, or test we are going through, that it will be over when Jesus comes to get us. In a moment, in the twinkling of and eye, we will be like Him. All the pain of this world will fall away. We will ride His triumph through the air and be with Him forever more. 1 Thessalonians 4:16-18 says, "For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven, with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first; then we that are alive, that are left, shall together with them be caught up in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with these words." Jesus is coming back! Maybe today. Let’s live our lives accordingly! I know the Church has cried rapture since the its beginning but we must remain alert.

Be blessed that you know that He is coming back. Hang on until He gets here. We are comforted by these words.

Jesus as I meditate on your soon return for me let my life be cleansed for your glory. Help me be more and more like you. Allow me the privilege of sharing my relationship with You with others. Remind me to bless and encourage the brothers/sisters by reminding them You haven’t left them. When I am discouraged I will look up for my coming Redeemer.

Looking for Him,

Pastor Jason