Day 11: Youth

Growing in expectation

 “Who stands firm to the end will be saved” (Matthew 24:13  NIV).

Related passage:  1 Thessalonians 4:13-18

Even before Jesus died and rose again, he told his disciples about his second coming!  (The church has always waited for this last remaining prophecy of scripture to be fulfilled.)  I wonder if I’m ready for him to come again.  Did he want me to be on the lookout for “false religious teachers” or “international strife” or “the gospel preached to the whole world?”  Not particularly.  I must learn about what is going to happen before he comes, but my focus should be on Jesus Christ himself, being ready whenever he appears in the sky with his angels, trumpet call, and his saints.

Knowing that this is going to happen, what should I do?  Stand Firm – Be kind and Pray for each other – Be Faithful in Meeting and Encouragement – Practice Christ-like Holiness.

Looking to Jesus’ coming fills me with hope, and I know he will make everything right.  Yes, God has planned for us to live together with him, so let’s be watchful, get ready, and build each other up (1 Thessalonians 4:10-11, 23-28).

Prayer:

“Dear heavenly Father, I thank you that Jesus redeemed me and has brought me peace and hope.  Thank you for this thrilling message of Jesus coming in glory, and may I be ready because he could come any day now.  My prayer today is that the church will experience a new expectation of Jesus’ coming and may be renewed together in all grace.  Even so, Come Lord Jesus.”  Amen.