Are you anticipating the Lord’s return?

Titus 2:13–13
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When we go through trying circumstances it is only natural for our thoughts to turn to the future with anticipation and the “blessed hope” when our Lord will come for His own. Paul says, “We are filled with hope, as we wait for the glorious return of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ (v. 13).” This verse in the original language im­plies an attitude of eager expectancy, a readiness to welcome the one who is coming back. All of the things we are doing in this life should be done in trying to please the one we are waiting for. In fact the illustration above points out what can happen if we are doing things we shouldn’t be doing. If we are not looking for his return with great anticipation it may be because we are doing things that would not be pleasing to Him.

Knowing that the Lord is coming back, and it could be any day, should effect our living in the present. Life on the earth is very short even if we live to be seventy or eighty. It is so easy to spend the majority of our time doing things that will have no value in eternity. The only thing we are going to be taking with us from this life to heaven are the people we have influenced for Him. What a tragedy to spend all of our life on our self and not have anything to show for it when we get to heaven. Probably that is one of the big reasons Scripture speaks of the tears that will need to be wiped away in heaven. Think of the people who let the years roll by and really never do anything for the Lord.

Application

What am I doing this week that will have any value when the Lord comes back? Do I need to make some changes in my priorities of living? I trust that the people who read my Family Time today will be encouraged to make their life count for the Lord. I am anticipating His return? Are you?