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"But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life."
(Jude 20-21)
This week in our daily devotions, we have looked at the words of Jude in verses 20-21. It is such a rich passage of Scripture that instructs us in how we are to grow deep in our walk with God so that we can do the work God has in store for us. Expecting to win people to Christ and live a life pleasing to God is not possible unless you have a healthy relationship with God where you are growing in Him. Winning in the Christian life without the spiritual disciplines would be like me trying to run a marathon with no training. That would not be a pretty sight! In fact, it would be impossible, because it is only through the discipline of training that I am equipped to do the running.
The return of Christ should always be on our minds, and if it is, it will motivate us greatly to both live for Christ and tell others about Him. At His appearance, we will encounter His mercy that ushers us into eternal life. What magnificent assurance and joy! Hebrews 10:25 states, "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."
While swimming in the pool at the Caribe Condo in Orange Beach, AL, I heard a child call out to "Pops" to catch her. (My grandbaby Claire calls me the same thing!) It was obvious that this grandchild loved her granddad, so I had to go over and meet him. I swam over and started a conversation, and it was so neat. I came to find out he loves the Lord, and he spoke to me about the return of Christ, saying, "We should not get ready but be ready for Jesus' return." I shared with him that the best way to be prepared is to always be prepared. A constant reminder of the return of Jesus will keep you out of the gutters of sin, both mentally and physically, and it will give you a passion to share with others, so they are prepared to meet Him.
I have always loved the subject of our Lord's return. Whether you believe in a rapture (as I do) or you believe Jesus returns after the Great Tribulation and establishes His kingdom, either way, you believe that the King is coming, just as He promised. We are closer today than we were yesterday! For Jude, one of the foundational doctrines that equips the believer to be a good witness for Christ is the return of Christ.
The King is indeed coming again. Remember Gandalf in Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King, when he rides on that white horse with the staff in his hand ready for battle. Think on it, then multiply that image a million times over, and then you will begin to get a glimpse of the unparalleled glory and splendor of when the Lord Jesus Christ comes back. Get ready!
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