How Would You Feel?

Scripture: 1 John 2:28-3:3

Abide in Him, that when He appears, we may have confidence and not be ashamed before Him at His coming. --1 John 2:28

The Ohio highway was unusually crowded. Cars came to a standstill in the night air. Many weren't sure what was happening. But people had started spreading the word that an image of Christ had been appearing nightly on a nearby soybean tank. Many observers contended that the image was nothing more than a shadow created by night lighting on the surface of a badly stained, rusty tank.

The response of one driver caught in the traffic jam was especially noteworthy. When he leaned out of his van window and asked someone what was going on, the bystander looked at him and said, "Jesus is here!" The van driver remarked to a reporter, "For a moment I really freaked out. I was scared. I mean, I wasn't prepared for judgment day."

That driver's response raises some questions. How will we feel when Jesus really does return? Will we be excited or afraid? The apostle John indicated that this is not just a question for the future (1 John 2:28). It is rooted in the quality of our relationship with Christ right now.

There is only one way to be ready for Jesus Christ's return. We must love Him, trust Him, obey Him, and value Him now. Then we won't have to wish we had when He comes. 

When Jesus comes to reward His servants,

Whether it be noon or night,

Faithful to Him will He find us watching,

With our lamps all trimmed and bright?

Live now as you will wish you had lived when you stand before Christ.