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Remember the anticipation and joy you felt when you heard your relatives were coming for a visit, or that you were going to visit them?
I remember well, the summer visits with my cousin. She would come for a week, and then I would get to return the visit with her for a week. I looked forward to meeting all of her friends, and simply sharing all the things we had done during the school year.
Of course there was the preparation before the trip, packing bags, acquiring the bus tickets from my uncle, and going through the last minute check list to be certain nothing important had been neglected.
The day finally arrived and I found my uncle waiting for me at the bus station. Our first stop after picking up my luggage was the station's cafe. My aunt worked there and always had her famous homemade doughnuts waiting for me, fresh and still warm with glaze.
Although I enjoyed my visits, it was always good to get back home to my own familiar surroundings, bed, and family.
Just as I prepared and waited patiently for those visits, so I must be prepared and waiting for the coming of the Lord. As much as I love my family and time on this earth, it is not my home, and one day there will be a great homecoming.
Matthew 24:3 (see also) Mark 13:3 And as He sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? And what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world? KJV
The disciples questioned Jesus of the time of his return, Jesus patiently explained the signs to watch for, and what they could expect. He then explained to them that neither they, nor Jesus knew exactly when he would come, but exhorted them to be ready. Mark 13:32-33 But of that day and that hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels which are in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father. Take heed, watch and pray; for ye know not when the time is. Matthew 24:44 Therefore be ye also ready for in such an hour as ye think not, the Son of man cometh.
We don't know exactly when Christ's return will be, but those in Christ are to be ready and always alert and watching for his return as we daily go about his service. When that glorious trumpet sounds, I'm homeward bound!
Copyright 2003 by Marie Williams
