Pastor's Ponderings: The Lord is Coming! The Lord is Coming!

"But about that day or hour no one knows, neither the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Beware, keep alert; for you do not know when the time will come. It is like a man going on a journey, when he leaves home and puts his slaves in charge, each with his work, and commands the doorkeeper to be on the watch. Therefore, keep awake-- for you do not know when the master of the house will come, in the evening, or at midnight, or at cockcrow, or at dawn, or else he may find you asleep when he comes suddenly. And what I say to you I say to all: Keep awake."

Mark 13:32-37 

This is how Jesus speaks about his eventual return. Despite his clarity in announcing that no one knows when it would happen, though, Christians in the early church had some level of hope—perhaps even expectation—that it would occur during their lifetime. In contrast, I don’t think I’ve ever met a Christian today who holds that hope.

I suspect that more than a few of us struggle even to have hope that the Savior will ever return. It’s been more than two thousand years since the Incarnate Lord entered the world. It’s been nearly that long since he spoke the words cited above, just before his death and resurrection. That’s a long time to wait! It’s also a long time to stay awake and be prepared.

I don’t know about you, but I sure don’t feel ready for Jesus to return. Oh, on one hand, it would be nice to escape from the trials and challenges of the world. I would certainly not complain if my recovery from surgery was hastened and pain departed. Nor would I mind seeing my son and other loved ones fully healthy. An end to bill-paying, housework, and (as winter approaches) snow-shoveling would obviously be welcome.

Still, I’m not sure that I’m ready for the Lord to return, especially when I reflect on our confession that Jesus “will come again to judge the living and the dead.” Perhaps some of you can sympathize with me when I confess that I’m not always as faithful as I should be. I can be short-tempered, especially when I am tired or hungry. I’m sometimes both reluctant and less-than-generous in sharing my gifts with others. In a sense, I'm like those servants who fall asleep waiting for their master's return.

When I reflect on the depth of sin that abides in me, I’m pretty certain that I don’t want to stand before the One who will judge me for eternity just yet!

Every year, as the season of Advent approaches, I find myself reflecting on how I’d feel if Jesus’ return were to happen. Along with the aforementioned mixture of relief from struggles and anxiety over the depth of sin that abides in me, I have to admit that the thought brings me joyful excitement.

Jesus’ return will mean that the reign of God, which was inaugurated with the Incarnation, has been fulfilled. With that, of course, comes the fulfillment of God’s promise to humanity. We will stand face-to-face with the One who carried our sin to the cross and be able to acknowledge our gratitude for the pain he bore on our behalf. In the light of his love, the grace that was embodied in Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection will be abundantly visible; God’s judgment need not bring fear, anxiety or worry! The hopeful faith that has sustained us through the difficulties of human life will be replaced with joyful knowledge of our Lord’s love.

This is Good News!

Yours in Christ,
Pastor