Bible Reading: 1 Sam. 25 & 26. Luke 12:31-59.
“Be ye therefore ready also: for the Son of man cometh at an hour when ye think not.” – Luke 12:40 (KJV)
We were all told to be ready for one event or the other in the past particularly when we were growing up. We were told to be ready to go to school, to go to various social events and even church. That phrase thus gives us the concept of preparing for an event and completing that preparation before the commencement of such an event. In the same vein, but of greater importance, is the concept of being ready for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. It means being in a state ready to receive Jesus Christ when he comes. What then are you to put in place before he comes that will amount to being ready?
Firstly, you must have put on the righteousness of Christ. To do this entails total submission to his will such that you have accepted him as your Lord and Saviour. This means living a new life that is devoid of your sinful past. 2 Corinthians 5:17 (KJV) says: “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.”
Secondly, it means daily living that puts Christ first in everything. So in your interaction with others, you show Christ in all that you do by exhibiting love in all your endeavours. To be able to effectively carry this out, you need to have the baptism of the Holy Spirit such that you are led by the Spirit in everything that you do. That is why you should also study the word of God everyday so that you can learn more of Christ and ensure you conform to him.
Being Ready also implies presenting your body as a living sacrifice, holy acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service and as stated in Romans 12:2 (KJV): “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”
Finally, Jesus Christ can come anytime and his coming could be in one of two ways; when you die or when the rapture takes place. Both cases, signify the end of your journey on earth and the beginning of judgment of your activities. Are you ready?
Action Point: Check yourself and make corrections where necessary to ensure you are ready whenever Jesus comes.
Bro. Biodun Oyapero