“And there will be signs in sun and moon and stars, and on the earth distress of nations in perplexity because of the roaring of the sea and the waves, people fainting with fear and with foreboding of what is coming on the world. For the powers of the heavens will be shaken. And then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. Now when these things begin to take place, straighten up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.” And he told them a parable: “Look at the fig tree, and all the trees. As soon as they come out in leaf, you see for yourselves and know that the summer is already near. So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that the kingdom of God is near. Truly, I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all has taken place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away. “But watch yourselves lest your hearts be weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and cares of this life, and that day come upon you suddenly like a trap. For it will come upon all who dwell on the face of the whole earth. But stay awake at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that are going to take place, and to stand before the Son of Man.” (Luke 21:25-36 ESV)
When was the last time you woke up and asked yourself if today is the day that Jesus will return? It is not usually the first thing that goes through our minds. It is not usually even on our minds. Now we are not suppose to know the time or the day, only God the Father knows that. But just because we do not know when He is coming does not mean we should not be expecting Him to come, or that we are prepared for His coming.
The image included for this first Sunday in Advent is the Boy Scout Salute. I was a Boy Scout for a few years, and the motto of the Boy Scouts should be the motto of every Christian and something we can do for the next 4 weeks during Advent and for the rest of our lives as we wait for the coming Messiah: Be Prepared!
We need to be expectant, not of a baby in a manger, but of the second coming of our risen King! We need to be expectant and ready for His return! We live our lives in such a way that we are not filled by the feasts and drinks of this life, or weighed down by it’s problems. Jesus is bigger than all of that and we need to live our lives in such a way that we are expectant of Him and showing others what we are living for.
So be prepared! Because Jesus is coming back, and we need to be ready!
aSacredRebel 