Saturday, August 15/The Lord is At Hand
Philippians 4:5
A theme throughout the New Testament is the suddenness of Christ’s return. The little phrase “at hand” translates a word that means close or near. We need to live in such a way that if the Lord Jesus was to come back for His bride today, we would not be ashamed before Him (1 John 2:28).
How is the Lord at hand? Paul knew when he was in prison awaiting execution that his departure to be with the Lord was “at hand.” (2 Tim. 4:6) Peter knew that “end of all things” (1 Peter 4:7) was hand, and John twice wrote, “for the time is at hand.” (Rev. 1:3, 22:10) Doctrinally, we call this the imminency of Christ’s return. The Bible never teaches that Jesus Christ MUST return today or tomorrow! But the Word of God clearly teaches that Christ’s return for His Bride is imminent – it COULD happen at any moment.
We must live expectantly, for we “know not the day nor the hour” (Matt. 25:13) of His return. Paul called this the believer’s blessed hope (Titus 2:13). How at hand is the coming of the Lord? The Bible says in 1 Thessalonians 5:1-2, “But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you. For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night.” A thief does not announce when he is going to pay a visit to your house, therefore the Bible commands us to be ready for the Lord’s return at all times.
Are you living expectantly, preparing yourself for the day Jesus Christ comes back for all those who know Him as Savior? What are some areas in your life that need to change if you are truly going live expectantly waiting for the Lord’s return?
Peter L. Laitres
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