come, lord jesus, today! (see rv 22:20)
"Be on guard, therefore. The Son of Man will come when you least expect Him." —Luke 12:40
When we expect the world to end and Jesus to come back at any time, we are:
- on guard against the evil one (see Lk 12:40; 1 Pt 5:8-9),
- trying to be "faithful, farsighted" stewards for the Lord (Lk 12:42),
- busy (Lk 12:43) showing our love for Jesus by feeding His sheep, that is, His people (see Jn 21:15-17; Lk 12:42),
- loving others rather than hurting them (see Lk 12:45), and
- more likely to fight temptations and compulsions (see Lk 12:45).
When we expect Jesus to come back today, we live today probably much more faithfully than we would have otherwise.
Therefore, lift up your eyes to "see the Son of Man coming on a cloud with great power and glory" (Lk 21:27). Proclaim throughout the day: "Christ has died; Christ is risen; Christ will come again." Shout with the Christians of all times: "Maranatha!" ("Come, Lord Jesus!") (1 Cor 16:22; Rv 22:20) "See, He comes amid the clouds! Every eye shall see Him, even those who pierced Him" (Rv 1:7). Maranatha! Come, Lord Jesus!
Prayer: Jesus, as soon as possible "come again in glory to judge the living and the dead" (Nicene Creed).
Promise: "More will be asked of a man to whom more has been entrusted." —Lk 12:48
Praise: The North American missionaries became martyrs by dying as they lived, with and for Christ.
Reference: (For a related teaching on Judgment Day, order, listen to or download our CD 75-3 or DVD 75 on our website or order our tape on audio AV 75-3 or video V 75.)
Rescript: †Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, March 31, 2016
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