The Return

 "However, when the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on the earth?" Luke 18:8

    At the school kitchen where I am employed, our manager has been absent since November. Miss Jeanne, one of the best, is a hard worker but has a way of making a mundane job fun. She usually finds some reason to have a snack and we always receive a beautifully wrapped gift on our birthdays. We all miss her but, in her absence, there's a sizable job to be done. When she returns next week, will she find things in working order? Will we be glad to see her? You bet!

    When Jesus ascended into heaven, his disciples seemed a bit dazed as they gazed into the clouds. Two angels appeared saying, "Men of Galilee, why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven." (Acts 1:11) This band of men had a sizable job to do, too; much larger than operating a school kitchen! When their Manager returns, will He find things in working order? Will people rejoice at His return?

    Jesus went to heaven to prepare a place for us, promising to come back, though just when is unknown. In the meantime, are we busy doing the Father's will? 

    Within the small book of Micah, there's a directive for us: "And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God." (6:8) Here's another drawn from 1 Thessalonians: "Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." (5: 16-18)  Then there's the Great Commission given from Jesus Himself: "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you." (Matthew 28: 19, 20)

    Our love for Miss Jeanne compelled us to do our very best in her absence. We all had extra jobs to complete and had to work very hard to get along without our boss. Similarly, our love for Jesus compels us to work hard together until He returns. 

    I can hardly wait!

"He who testifies to these things says, 'Yes, I am coming soon.' Amen. Come, Lord Jesus." Revelation 22:20