He will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him. (Heb. 9:28)
The teacher informed the class that the school principal was planning to check each classroom sometime during the school year. It would be a surprise visit. He would not announce his arrival. He would be looking for clean desks, with papers and books neatly arranged.
Mary was known for her messy desk. It always looked like a tornado had recently swept across it. Her classmates teased her about not being ready when the principal came. She said, “I will clean up my desk at the beginning of each week.” Doubting her resolve, they asked, “What if he comes at the end of the week?”
“I’ll clean it at the beginning of each day.” “What if he comes at the end of the day?”
“Oh!” she said, exasperated, “I’ll just get it clean and keep it clean!”
Christ will appear a second time—not to take the punishment we deserve, but to bring salvation to all those who are waiting for him. Anyone who has believed in his name and accepted his offer of salvation will be able to see his face and thank him for his sacrifice.
We can offer a gift back to him right now by living in deep gratitude for the gifts he’s already given and spending our days joyfully serving him with our words and actions. Let’s get ready and stay ready for his coming.
With gratitude for the gift Jesus gave, anticipate his coming.
Bekah Shaffer lives in Kokomo, Indiana, and enjoys endless coffee, scrapbooking, speaking, and planning adventures with her husband, Ryan.
© 2019 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission.
Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.
