08/24/2021
When Jesus taught us to pray, the first thing He told us to pray for was that God’s kingdom would come, and then that His will be done on earth, just as it is in Heaven. We say these words when we pray the Lord’s Prayer, but do we really understand them, or truly want those words to be realized right now? Most Christians are perfectly happy to live out their lives here on earth with God answering a prayer here, and there, to make their lives bearable. They would even like to see His will be done so long as they can remain happily in the world, but is that what we should want, and pray for, or should we pray earnestly for Jesus to return NOW?
“Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.”
Matthew 6:10 KJV
The last words of Jesus, that we are given in the Bible, are a promise that He will return soon, and the last prayer we are taught to pray is for Him to come… even quickly… as He promised, but how would you prefer His coming? Would it be a sudden rapture in which you leave the pot boiling on the stove, and everything behind, or to have time to gather all your loved ones around you and place all your affairs in order?
“He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen. THE END”
Revelation 22:20-21 KJV
I have heard it preached a number of times that most believers want Jesus to return for us… just not today. Did I hear you say that you don’t fit this mold? Well, before you tell me that you desire His immediate return you need to honestly explore your heart. God knows the deepest and most hidden recesses of our heart, and He knows our secret desires that reside there. He knows who is ready to leave all behind, and who is not. He sees into every heart and knows who will drop everything to be with Him, and who will say “OK, but…”? So let’s ask ourselves… Mother, would you go now, or want to retrieve your sleeping baby? Father, would you want to run to Jesus, or rush home to gather your family?
“Shall not God search this out? For he knoweth the secrets of the heart.”
Psalm 44:21 KJV
I had a near death experience when I was an older teenager, and as I was drowning in a lake, I was worried about my family, and what would come of them if I were taken away. As I was sinking down into the water I didn’t say a word, but the Lord knew my heart, and He said “Do not worry, they are mine, not yours, and I will care for them just as I have always cared for you.” He knew that I was being an “OK, but…” Christian. Well, I learned to let go of the world at that moment, and I felt what every Child of God should long to feel… the joy, the peace, the comfort; all beyond description, but as much as I wanted to remain with Him, He told me to put my feet down, and I stood up mere feet from the shore. It wasn’t my time. Was there more for me to do, or was it because I was still an “OK, but…” Christian? I hope to ask Him that question one day soon. Are you like I was? Are you an “OK, but…” Christian in your heart, or will you leave immediately without a second thought?
“And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers. And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men. And they straightway left their nets, and followed him. And going on from thence, he saw other two brethren, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, in a ship with Zebedee their father, mending their nets; and he called them. And they immediately left the ship and their father, and followed him.”
Matthew 4:18-22 KJV
Prayer:
Father, I thank you for the promise that Jesus will return for us, and I pray that when that moment arrives, I will be ready to step away from this world, this body, and this life, to immediately be with Him. I pray that I will trust in you enough to know that your love for my wife, and children are perfect, and that they are in your hands at that moment… just as they truly are right now. I thank you for sharing them with me now Lord, but I also thank you for the knowledge that when Jesus returns for us, that in that twinkling of an eye they will return immediately to you, their true Father. Holy, Holy, Holy, are you our God who sent His Son to live among us, redeem us, suffer for us, die that we might live, and to be resurrected and returned to you. Praised be your name for revealing your ownership of each and every one of us, from the infant in the womb to the ancient among us. Merciful are you whose Son’s blood washes us clean of sin, and whose grace call us home to spend eternity with you… our Father. Quicken our spirits in that instant, and relieve every heart’s fear that says “OK, but…”.
“And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven. Neither be ye called masters: for one is your Master, even Christ.”
Matthew 23:9-10 KJV
Rich Forbes