Tuesday, October 8, 2013

By: Rachelle Hitt Bilbo

Oh NO - Daddy's Home!

2 Timothy 4:2  Preach the word; BE READY in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching.

We've all seen the sitcom or movie plot (or maybe experienced it first-hand) where a teenager decides to throw a "little" party while his parents are out of town for the weekend. Inevitably, the little party turns into a HUGE party and mom and dad come home...EARLY!

The next part is my favorite. The music comes to a screeching halt (as if the teen could afford a professional DJ). The partygoers and crashers start running out of the house jumping through windows if necessary, and that one teen stands there dumbfounded with a red solo cup in his hand. For the surprised teen, that would classify as a very BAD day.

In Mark 13:32-37, Jesus shares the importance of always being alert and prepared for His return. He encourages believers that one day, He will return, but that NO ONE knows when that day will be....NOT even the angels or Himself...only God!

He illustrates His surprise return by describing a man going on a journey who leaves his servants in charge and commands the doorkeeper to stay awake. Jesus says, likewise, "...stay awake - for you do not know when the master of the house will come, in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or in the morning - lest he come suddenly and find you asleep. And what I say to you I say to all: Stay awake."

Many people believe that we are in "end times." I am not sure if we are in "end times" (because no man knows the day or hour), but I do know that each and every day brings us closer to the end of our lives! I have always contended that whether we experience the end of time itself or not, we will all have an "end" on this earth.

So rather than becoming consumed with the coming of the great rapture, we should all be focused on preparing ourselves and others for what God has prepared for those who are living for Him.

I challenge you today to always be prepared for "daddy's return." Live a life of daily repentance and obedience to Him. Hebrews 9:27 declares that "it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment." Death is NEVER something to fear when it is the pathway to eternal life with Jesus Christ.

Dear Lord, I thank You that I don't have to fear death when I commit my life to You. Forgive me for my sins and fill me with Your presence. Please lead me, guide me, and comfort me always.

I also thank You, my Jesus, for dying for me. I believe that You are Lord and that God raised You from the grave so that I can have eternal life.