Can you imagine what a shocking wakeup call Christ's return will be?
One unknown day "the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God." (1 Thessalonians 4:16a) How incredible for those who have put their trust in Christ Jesus and will "always be with the Lord." (v17)
Jesus tells us, "Be on guard, keep awake. For you do not know when the time will come." (Mark
13:33) God desires for every generation to be wide awake to Christ’s imminent return. In these
passages, Jesus is waking us up.
"It is like a man going on a journey, when he leaves home and puts his servants in charge, each with his work, and commands the doorkeeper to stay awake." (Mark 13:34)
Jesus tells us to be on guard, awake and ready for his return while fulfilling our God-given responsibilities. Christian, you have been chosen to work with God to rescue and bless souls.
Occasionally, I wonder if I am doing enough to serve God - until I remember Jesus. Mary said
this wonderful thing to the servants at the wedding in Cana: "Do whatever he tells you." (John
2:5) That's it.
Are you doing whatever Jesus has told you? That inkling to serve, the unction to help, the
direction that aligns with scripture, those may be promptings from the Holy Spirit; a sign that
you are spiritually sensitive and obedient. When you get your hands on the net, whether that
looks like inviting someone to church or preaching a sermon, you serve Jesus by serving others
(Philippians 2:5-11).
Here are suggestions to awaken you to His light if you are feeling spiritually groggy:
1. Confess Sin. Come into agreement that Christ is the Lord leading your life and you are not.
Receive His forgiveness and ask the Holy Spirit to point out serving opportunities prepared for
you. "So if anyone purifies himself from anything dishonorable, he will be a special instrument,
set apart, useful to the Master, prepared for every good work." (2 Timothy 2:21)
2. Pray & Read God's Word. In doing so, your eyes will be opened to how Jesus lived. You will
see the correlation between Scripture and everyday experiences. The more time you spend with your friend Jesus, the more you will become like him. "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path." (Psalm 119:105)
3. Do Something. Whether it is doing the next right thing or agreeing to serve in a capacity
beyond your current comfort level, this is where God's grace is on display in your life. “My
grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” (2 Corinthians 12:9)
The beauty of a wakeup call is knowing something rewarding awaits you. "Whatever you do,
work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the
inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ." (Colossians 3:23-24) One unknown day you will see Jesus Christ face to face, but while you are here do whatever he tells
you.
PRAYER
Heavenly Father, thank You for the promise of eternity with You. Please help me to faithfully
complete the work You have prepared for me. Awaken me to Your will. In the powerful name of
Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen.