“Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour” (Matthew 25:13).A dying boy wanted to meet Dwight Eisenhower, the 34th President of America, whose term occupied most of the 1950’s. Somehow his request made its way to the President. One day, low and behold, Eisenhower just showed up at his front door, unannounced. It … Continue reading A perfect time to re-centre
second coming
Faith, loving action, perseverance
In the past few devotionals, I have been sharing some insights about a parable Jesus told in Matthew 25 about his return.In short, a groom shows up at his own wedding banquet. Five women who were faithfully waiting for him get let in to the festivities. Five women who were unprepared get left out. The … Continue reading Faith, loving action, perseverance
The problem is never God’s availability
In Matthew 25 Jesus tells a parable about his return. Some people are ready for him, others aren’t. The people who are ready to meet him get let into a wedding banquet—which, based on my own study, represents the new heavens and the new earth. Others aren’t ready for him and get left outside.After arriving late … Continue reading The problem is never God’s availability
How you live today—and the last day
“Surely I am coming soon” (Revelation 22:20).Advent is the four-week period leading up to Christmas. It is from a Latin word meaning “coming.” At this time of year, we think about the first coming of Christ at Christmas. Makes sense. Historically, however, it is also a time to think about the “second coming” when Jesus … Continue reading How you live today—and the last day
The key word is readiness
Firefighters do their work in a state of readiness.Picture a firehall. The firefighters need to be ready to respond to a call at a moment’s notice. The firepole exists to save time getting from the second or third floor to the first, quickly. The truck is also always full of gas and ready to go. I … Continue reading The key word is readiness
Vigilance
In yesterday’s devotional we looked at the story behind the popular war-time slogan: “Keep calm and carry on.” We modified it to say: “Keep calm and follow Jesus.”It’s amazing how many times Jesus urges faithful vigilance even in the face of uncertainty and danger. In Mark 13:32-37 he was teaching about his return: “Be on … Continue reading Vigilance
Keep calm and…
During World War Two the British government commissioned posters to keep the public focused on key ideas. They were written with white letters on a red background. There was a crown at the top.One said: “Freedom is in peril. Defend it with all your might.” A second one said: “Your courage, your cheerfulness, your resolution, … Continue reading Keep calm and…
It’s (b)right around the corner
In his autobiography, Arthur Miller reflects on his relationship with Marilyn Monroe. He talks about their loss of faith and descent into despair. “How I wish I still had my religion and she hers.”* As followers of Christ, we have many reasons to hope. But if we don’t consciously and consistently reflect on those reasons, … Continue reading It’s (b)right around the corner
The rabbit holes of speculation
I’ve been thinking a lot about how Jesus said he was coming back. The reason it’s been on my mind is because I’ve been teaching through 1st and 2nd Thessalonians, and that’s a topic that comes up a lot. The congregation to which Paul was writing was confused. So Paul needed to clarify a few … Continue reading The rabbit holes of speculation
Advent: preparing for Jesus
The season of Advent has begun. Some of you will know what that means. Others won’t. That’s because some Christian traditions have emphasized it and others have not. It is the four-week season that leads up to Christmas. The word “advent” itself means “coming,” referring to the coming of Christ. On one level is about … Continue reading Advent: preparing for Jesus
