SOMEDAY, IT WILL BE TOO LATE, BUT WE STILL HAVE TODAY.
- Key Verse
"And then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky, and then ALL THE TRIBES OF THE EARTH WILL MOURN [caps mine], and they will see the SON OF MAN COMING ON THE CLOUDS OF THE SKY with power and great glory." (Matthew 24:30)
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Central Truth
This is one of the key passages given to explain the future return of Christ. The disciples asked Jesus, "[W]hen will these things happen, and what will be the sign of Your coming [again]?" (Matthew 24:3)
Reflections
Serious followers of Christ and religious enthusiasts have been trying to get their arms around the "end times" for millennia. Though God has committed large portions of His Scripture to the subject—including Daniel and the Book of Revelation—He has made it obvious that He alone knows the time of Christ's return. God has not given us any secret formulas or codes to sleuth out the answer so that we can dazzle members of our community groups.
Understanding the times and signs of Jesus' return is another issue entirely. He wants us to be ready and to invest our lives as though He is coming back today! And He may! When He does come for His Church (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18) or when He returns to reign (Matthew 25:31), there will be no more second chances for us to participate in sharing the good news of Jesus, no more opportunities to share our story of grace, and no more opportunities for us to love the unlovable or serve the needy. We will have no more occasions to extend forgiveness or reconcile conflicts that may have given us the opportunity to tell our friends, family, or associates about the One who gives life.
My philosophy of ministry changed a number of years ago when I realized that friends I shared life with died before “their time,” and I would never have another "better" chance to express my love or Christ's love to them again. I decided that Jesus provided today to me, and future chances to share my faith are not guaranteed. Do I still miss opportunities? You bet I do, but not nearly as many. Jesus could have chosen a million different ways to tell people about His love, forgiveness, and purposes. But He chose you and me, and we have been given today.
Jesus is coming again. Are you waiting for a better opportunity? Do you have someone to call and ask their forgiveness or tell them you love them? You still have today. Love faithfully those that God puts in your path today.
Discussion Questions
1. List any unfinished business you have that you would like to complete before Christ returns.2. Do you have anyone in your life who would ask, "Why didn't you tell me about Jesus?"
3. What holds you back from living a life of urgency when it comes to living like Christ's return is imminent?
FAMILY DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1. The Bible tells us that Jesus will come back to earth! How does it say He will come back? What should we look for?
2. Draw a picture of Jesus returning using verses 30 and 31.
Larry Hopkins
April 1, 2010 06:01 AM
Great job, Scott. Based on you closing thoughts, it reminded me of a question asked in a Crown Financial Ministries course I'm taking. After reading Psalm 90:10, which reads, "As for the days of our life, they contain seventy years, or if due to strength, eighty years...," we were asked to calculate the approximate number of days we might expect to have remaining on this earth. Then it went on to ask what we want to accomplish for the cause of Christ in our remaining days and what actions or changes in our lives need to be made in order to complete them. I just had the wonderful opportunity to spend this last Monday fishing all day with my Dad. The fishing was horrible, but the time was priceless. I don't know how many more days like that we will have together. It was Matthew Henry that said, "It ought to be the business of every day to prepare for our last day." Don't leave any heavenly business undone!
Sheri
April 1, 2010 07:58 AM
Way to go Scotty- great reminder for me to be more bold in sharing my faith and hope in Christ!!!
Gary stroope
April 1, 2010 08:34 AM
Scotty joining you in loving today, encouraging today, forgiving today....leaving no opportunity missed. So ...thanks for modeling that changed heart Scott (one down) gary
Mike Hardage
April 1, 2010 09:11 AM
Scott, thanks for the great reminder that today might be the only day I have left. I dare not hesitate to share the hope, love and forgiveness that is Christ with all those I come in contact with...or need to seek out. Yours are not words of guilt but words of encouragement from an appreciative heart.
Lucky Girl
April 1, 2010 09:20 AM
After all these years (seems like just 10 minutes :), still love hearing you talk about God' Word. Yes, indeed a lucky girl! Some like to think "luck" has nothing to do with it, but you should know this :)
Marni
April 1, 2010 10:47 AM
Thanks for your convicting words, Scott! So many times I pray for "opportunities" to share with others, and immediately turn my ears off to His voice, missing the many opportunities He has given me every day. Thanks for your reminder that we are only guaranteed today (and maybe not even the whole day!), so we need to live life like this could be it!
Eric Colton
April 1, 2010 12:33 PM
Scott, Thanks for your penetrating words in today's devotional. Great reminders!!! Also, thanks for your friendships, encouragement, wise counsel and always pointing me to Christ throughout the years. I am grateful...
Robert McFarlane
April 1, 2010 02:07 PM
Scott- appreciate your reminder and the call to action - "Being ready and investing our lives as though Christ is coming back today!" - CONVICTING (or should be) Appreciate the way you allow God to use you.
jay Burns
April 4, 2010 10:02 AM
Scott...as usual you convicted me appropriately again! Thanks for the reminder,encouragement, and urging to share our faith while their is still time...I always think of the joy of seeing Chris come in the clouds..and I am sure that will be the overwhelming emotion...but I really never thought of any regret for those I could have shared the good news with...you are so right,thanks...and thanks for your wise counsel and encouragement to me over the last few years that we have been blessed to be in you and Susan's path.
Page
April 4, 2010 06:04 PM
Thank you for the ever needed reminder. Happy Easter. Thanks too for the Love, Pager