Ready for His Return

Paul tells us that the day of the return of Jesus is going to come for many people like a thief in the night. The majority of people will not be ready, even though God has given them every opportunity. As he dwells on the theme of Jesus’ return, he adds, “Therefore let us not sleep, as others do, but let us watch and be sober” (1 Thessalonians 5:6). On the morning of December 7, 1941, two men operating a mobile radar unit were scanning the skies surrounding the Hawaiian island of Oahu.

Intelligence suggested Hawaii was to be attacked.

In fact, approximately an hour before the first bombs fell on Pearl Harbor, the two privates working at the radar unit saw the incoming Japanese aircraft and alerted the appropriate authorities. But the incoming aircraft were mistakenly identified as American planes, and the Japanese fighters and bombers flew unhindered over American soil. The result was the loss of more than 2,200 lives and America’s entrance into World War II.* It isn’t unfair to say that if America had been more vigilant, the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor would have been, though still tragic, very different. In recent years, humans have devised new ways to distract themselves.

Texting while driving, or even walking, has created problems we never had to face before. A moment’s carelessness results in lives being irrevocably changed. While you might expect “watching” to be fundamental to safe driving, you likely know from experience how common it is to see drivers distracted by their smartphones even though they know their behavior is potentially deadly.

There’s nothing more important than being ready to meet Jesus when He returns. The distracted —the “sleepers,” as opposed to the “watchers”— will not be saved. A simple, constant focus on Jesus will keep heaven in view and the Holy Spirit abiding in the heart. If ever there was a time to be living with eternity in mind, it is now. Soon, the last sermons will have been preached, the last tracts will have been distributed, and the last Bible study will have been given. Jesus is coming back soon.