“And now, children, stay with Christ. Live deeply in Christ. Then we’ll be ready for him when he appears, ready to receive him with open arms, with no cause for red-faced guilt or lame excuses when he arrives.”
1 John 2:28 MSG
One of the truth’s about the gospel of Jesus Christ that is close to my heart is His return, I look forward to that day. Positioned began because God specifically said that we should get ready for the most important return of all times. He instructed us to get people ready, so that when the trumpet finally sounds many people can be ready and welcome our Saviour; who will be taking us home to be with our Father forever. Over the years we’ve heard the urgency of getting ready for this moment, and in this week’s blog we are talking about how we can get ready. I remember while young , our pastor was describing how this will look like. He said; “ those who died in the Lord and those Christ will come for, will know each other when this day finally comes”. I thought about how much I want to recognise those I’ve lived with on earth, so I went about telling people about Jesus and the beautiful work He came to do; to save us.
Jesus Christ for me has been a person I look up to and a place I’ve been hidden in, He’s been an example I desire to follow. When He came to the world , He modelled a life for us to live and He gave us the best tools to use in this world. John18:36; “Jesus answered, “My Kingdom is not an earthly kingdom. If it were, my followers would fight to keep me from being handed over to the Jewish leaders. But my Kingdom is not of this world.””. Even thou He put us here and instructed us to do what He did and more, Jesus told us that this is not our home. He already told us how this journey ends, and until He comes back our journey continues. We are certain that He will come back because in John 14:2-3 Jesus said ; “There is more than enough room in my Father’s home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am.”
Firstly, there’s a place for you in Him. Everyone is worthy of residing in Christ and having His identity. “My old identity has been co-crucified with Christ and no longer lives. And now the essence of this new life is no longer mine, for the Anointed One lives his life through me—we live in union as one! My new life is empowered by the faith of the Son of God who loves me so much that he gave himself for me, dispensing his life into mine!”Galatians 2:20 TPT. Saying yes to Jesus means He comes and takes over your life, He transforms you in to a Heavenly being, So thou you live in this world He lives through you. It doesn’t matter what you did in your past, accepting Him comes with forgiveness and removal of sin. You might feel like your old self but the old has gone, you are a new person.
Secondly, we live for Christ. Philippians 1:21 says; “For to me, to live is Christ [He is my source of joy, my reason to live] and to die is gain [for I will be with Him in eternity].” While we await His return we have to live for Him, we are His representatives and the world needs to experience Him through us until they can fully know of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Jesus should be our reason of living, our identity and purpose is in Christ. “Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone wishes to follow Me [as My disciple], he must deny himself [set aside selfish interests], and take up his cross [expressing a willingness to endure whatever may come] and follow Me [believing in Me, conforming to My example in living and, if need be, suffering or perhaps dying because of faith in Me].” Matthew 16:24 AMP. In this scripture Jesus was describing how living for Him looks like, it’s total surrender and willingness to do everything He tells you to do. No matter the cost, if Jesus said it then we do it. There’s grace for that kind of life, He wouldn’t say we should deny ourselves and allow us to be ashamed. There’s so much to gain in living for the Master. He promised us that we will be with Him always when He comes to get us, so I encourage you to live for Him. Make it your priority to do all that He requires from you. He has given you grace to do all things, so do it, cheerfully .
Thirdly, we preach this gospel to everyone. Mark 16:15; “And then he told them, “Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone.” This is a task Jesus gave us, and as we get ready for His return we also get our brothers and sisters ready as well. For faith to come in people’s heart someone has to preach, be that person who will bring faith to many. Be the bearer of good news, meet with people and deliver the truth of Jesus Christ. After Jesus left the world to be with God, the disciples through the Holy Spirit gained so much boldness and courage to walk into rooms or any situation and cause changes. Life was no longer about living for themselves, they had been commissioned to do all that king Jesus did. Paul also decided that if he’s in the world, then it’s going to be all about Jesus.
As we get ready to lock eyes with the man whose eyes are like fire, I encourage you to get ready for His return. Step out and be bold about taking His word to everyone. People are ready to hear about Him, they long to be in His presence. Let God minister to His people through you.
I pray that God strengthens you as you preach His gospel, I pray that Grace locates you in this season and open more channels for you to reach people. May the Holy Spirit help you and guide you as you get ready. I pray that the Spirit of truth walks this journey with you, may He lead you to those in need of God’s truth. Amen!
“But [the time is coming when] the earth shall be filled With the knowledge of the glory of the Lord, As the waters cover the sea.”
Habakkuk 2:14 AMP
If you haven’t received Jesus as your Lord and saviour, pray this prayer with me;
“Precious father I declare with my mouth today that Jesus is Lord and I believe in my heart that God raised Him from the dead. Jesus is alive and He reigns forever, He reigns in my life from this day. I declare that I am born again, I have the identity of Christ in me. Thank you Lord for saving me, I am forever yours. In Jesus name, amen.