It seems incredible. The greatest coming event in the history of the world, and the last great promise by Almighty God, and we have to be reminded to remember it and prepare for it! But the sad fact is that we often forget Jesus is coming again. Every sin I commit and every good deed about which I procrastinate is only a reminder that I have temporarily slumbered from my watchfulness.
When the disciples were troubled about the future of Jerusalem, the Lord gave them sure signs to watch for to know when the destruction was coming. Using this catastrophic judgment as His introduction, Jesus then spoke of a far greater judgment concerning all of mankind. This final judgment would have no telltale signs of its happening, for it would be swift and sudden. (Matthew 25:42–44). This illustration must have left a deep impression on Peter, John, and Paul because they emphasized it with force in their writings to their brethren (2 Peter 3:10; 1 Thessalonians 5:2; Revelation 3:3; 16:15).
God has given us His Word and His Plan so that we can plan for the eternal future. Failure to plan will be our fault. Many are living as if there is no eternity either in hell or heaven.
My burning desire for us all is to rise triumphantly together into the air forever to be with our Father, our Savior, the Spirit, the angelic host, and all the redeemed. Watch and Pray!
Plan Purposefully: I hereby propose to myself and God to plan my life around one goal: heaven! This plan is clearly focused in the following Scriptures, which I will read daily: Philippians 3:7–11, 20–21; Colossians 3:1–4; Titus 3:11–13; 2 Peter 3:1–14.
Prepare Prayerfully: The best-laid plans will soon become lifeless without Jesus’ warning to “watch and pray.” Therefore, while watching and working, I will fervently pray. These Scriptures, read daily, will remind me to “watch and pray”: Mark 13:32–37; Ephesians 6:10–18; 2 Thessalonians 1:7–12; 1 Peter 4:7.
Proceed Positively: No plan can succeed without confidence in its success. I will therefore develop a positive attitude as I proceed in my quest for heaven. These Scriptures will train my conscience to think in this way: 2 Corinthians 5:1–9; Philippians 4:13; 2 Timothy 1:12; 4:7–8; 1 Peter 1:3–5; 1 John 2:28.
Pursue Persistently: “On the plains of hesitation lie the blackened bones of countless millions, who, at the dawn of victory, sat down to rest, and resting—died!” Therefore, I am determined to pursue my goal with steadfast persistence until victory is won when my Lord comes to take me home. These Scriptures will give faith and courage to press on – 1 Corinthians 15:51–58; Philippians 3:12–14; 1 Timothy 6:12, 14; James 4:7–8; 1 Peter 1:3–9, 13.
My burning desire for us all is to rise triumphantly together into the air forever to be with our Father, our Savior, the Spirit, the angelic host, and all the redeemed. Watch and Pray!