As I was researching this devotion, I tried to find out how various
church leaders said they would get ready if they knew they had only a
week or a day, before they would stand before Jesus. The results were
fascinating:
* In the 13th century, St. Francis said he would
keep on watering his garden.
* In the 1500s, Martin Luther said,
"If he knew Jesus was coming tomorrow, he would plant a tree today."
* In the 18th century, John Wesley, said "I would spend my last day
exactly as I expect to spend it now."
Amazing, isn't it?
Three representatives from three different branches of Christianity,
speaking from three different centuries, are in agreement. They all
believe the best way to prepare for Jesus' coming back is to be in a
constant state of preparedness.
More important than the advice of
these three is that which comes from the Savior, Himself. Jesus says,
"Keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour" (Matthew
25:13).
About 20 years ago, a father who had taken his two
children swimming in the Atlantic, realized the tide was pulling them
out to sea.
Knowing his limitations, he told his daughter -- the
stronger swimmer -- "Honey, I've got to get your brother to shore. When
I do, I'll come back for you. I want you to float on your back till I
return. You don't have to swim. Just float on your back."
With
that the father swam away, brought his son to shore, and in a state of
near exhaustion, went out with some lifeguards to find his daughter. She
wasn't where they expected her to be. Further and further out to sea
they searched. After two hours, they spotted a little body floating in
the water.
No, don't worry. She was okay.
After they
brought her aboard the boat, one of the lifeguards asked, "Were you
frightened being out in the ocean all by yourself?"
She answered,
"I wasn't afraid. My father told me to float on my back, and he told me
that he would come back. I trusted him. He loves me and never lies."
That's the attitude the Lord expects from us as we wait for Jesus to
come back. He expects us, for as long as it takes, to remember He loves
us, hasn't forgotten us, and to be unafraid. Understand, I'm not going
to tell you that your life will be untroubled. Christians have more than
their share of tribulations. But I will tell you that until Jesus
returns He will give you what you need to deal with those problems and
pains.
THE PRAYER: Dear Lord, stay with me. In a troubled world
with myriad sorrows, be by my side and keep me prepared for that unknown
hour when Jesus will return to me or I will be brought to Jesus. In the
Savior's Name I ask it. Amen.
Pastor Ken Klaus
Lutheran Hour
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