What does it mean to be “ready” for Christ to return?
Being asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, he answered them, ‘The kingdom of God is not coming with signs to be observed, nor will they say, ‘Look here it is!’ Or ‘There!’ For behold, the kingdom of God is in the midst of you.” Luke 17:20-21
Christ our King,
We confess,
even as we pray daily, “Thy kingdom come,”
we can be misled by people
who tell us we will see flashy signs
that the day of your return is near.
You yourself told the Pharisees
and the disciples
that we wouldn’t be able to predict
the coming of your kingdom,
to know exactly the day or the time.
You said that it is already here,
and indeed, since your first coming to earth,
the kingdom of God has come near.
You instructed your disciples
to be ready for the day you will come again
in all of your glory
to reign over your restored earth
with all who trust in you.
What should we do?
We should be ready.
What makes us ready?
Very simply,
trusting you,
waiting on you,
seeking the things of your kingdom.
Very simply,
praying for and sharing your love
with those who refuse to bow before you,
desiring no one to be eternally separated from you
because of their rebellion.
By your grace, draw us near
to your throne of grace daily
to gain the mercy and grace
we need
to wait well for your glorious kingdom.
In your ruling name. Amen.
Read Luke 17:20-37.
