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Be ready

(Click here for a video of John reading this Catch.)

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Series: Characteristics of the Jesus Movement for today

5. It was believed to be the end times and that the return of Christ was imminent.

Two men walking up a hill

One disappears and one’s left standing still

I wish we’d all been ready

Larry Norman

Larry Norman; Love Song; Barry McGuire; Creedence Clearwater Revival; Peter, Paul & Mary; Bob Dylan and many others were all singing about it. Hal Lindsey wrote a best-selling book about it. Preachers were preaching on it. The return of Christ was foremost on everyone’s mind in 1970. It’s part of what made the gospel feel even more critical at that time. The return of Christ put a time limit on the message. “There isn’t much time; better get right with God.”

And we truly believed it. This was not a fantasy. It was going to happen, and it was going to be soon. Yet here we are, 50 years later, and a lot of the intensity has faded, but is it any different? Has the return of Christ been postponed? Of course not. God is always on time. Were we wrong? Well, yes and no. We were wrong in terms of the timing of our predictions (we should never attempt this because scripture says no one will know the day or the hour), but we were not wrong to announce the soon return of the Lord and to encourage everyone to watch and pray for it. Though we won’t know exactly when, Jesus said we can watch for the signs of His coming and always be ready for Him to return. 

Actually, every generation, including the disciples and the early church, has believed they would see the return of the Lord, and the Bible says that we purify ourselves in this belief. Expecting the imminent return of the Lord purifies us by keeping this world and its enticements in perspective. This world is not our home, and though we build homes and legacies here, we keep an eye on heaven so as not to become enthralled with that which is not going to last.

Here’s one thing we know for sure: we are closer to the Lord’s return than we were 50 years ago — 50 years closer. Be ready.

6 responses to “Be ready”

  1. Mark Dennis Seguin

    Loved this truth: “Here’s one thing we know for sure: we are closer to the Lord’s return than we were 50 years ago — 50 years closer. Be ready.” Amen!!

    Reply
  2. Toni Petrella

    It will be a special moment when our Lord does return. God has a timetable and knows when its best. So true about being fifty years closer than we were before. Thanks for this special message.

    Reply
  3. John A Fagliano

    Things seem to be progressing slowly. 50 years ago, there were no debit cards with chips in them. Certainly, none where you can just tap the screen with the card to make a purchase. Back then we thought about how weird it would be to have a chip implanted in your hand or forehead. Does it sound weird now? Then came the early 90’s when the cold war ended, and The U.S.S.R. collapsed. It looked like end time prophets were wrong if the USA and Russia would be friends. Well look where we are now! This is not to say we should start making predictions again. If He hasn’t come in another 50 years, surely by then people will be seeing signs we couldn’t fathom today.

    But here’s the important point: The last 50 years did see “the end of the world” for many, many people. It was just the end of their own personal world as it will be for many more of us in the next 50 years. Whether it’s Jesus returning to earth or Him sending His angels for us, one way or another, the end of our personal time in this world is close. There is a 69-year-old man in Russia who isn’t giving much thought to what will happen to him in less than 50 years. The rest of us should be aware that we are just passing through here.

    Reply
  4. peter leenheer

    Jesus tells the parable of the 10 bridesmaids. Five were ready, five weren’t. They were young people. It does well for the older generation to pass on that readiness to their children and grandchildren. What if Jesus comes again and young people aren’t ready. Our treasures are in heaven. That treasure is Jesus. Never mind the earth’s wars, turmoil and tribulation, Jesus said I have overcome the worl.. What a treasure!!!!!

    Reply
  5. peter leenheer

    Jesus said I have overcome the World!!!!!

    Reply
    1. Mark Dennis Seguin

      Amen!

      Reply

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