As we approach the time our culture celebrates the birth of Jesus I am reminded of many who did not recognize the hour of the Lord’s first coming (Luke 19:44).

I recall another occasion when the multitudes did not head the Word of the Lord. In Noah’s day God warned of a coming flood. As Noah labored for a hundred years building a boat to protect all those who would enter from the coming storm, the people laughed. I can imagine them saying, “Noah, you’re wasting your time! Where is this rain of yours?” Even those who did not outwardly mock did so by the way they lived, going about life as usual, oblivious of the impending doom.

Jesus said, “As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be with the coming of the Son of Man” (Matthew 24:36-39). Many scoffers will arise in that day saying, “Where is the promise of His coming?” (2 Peter 3:3-4). Just as it was in the days of Noah they will say, “Where is this so called Reign?” Some will openly scorn and ridicule those who prepare for the Lord’s return; others will do so by their actions. They will eat, drink, and be merry, mindful of earthly circumstances but asleep to urgency of the hour.

Elijah also prophesied the sound of heavy rain. He told his servant to look toward the sea, but six times he went and came back saying, “There is nothing.” The seventh time he reported a cloud as small as a man’s hand rising from the sea. Soon the sky grew black with clouds, the wind stirred, and heavy rain came (1 King 18:41-45).

Beloved, Jesus’ Reign is coming! Lift up your eyes. He is returning soon. Storm clouds are gathering on the horizon. For a long while we could not see them, and even now they may only seem like the size of a man’s hand, but the sky will grow black quickly. Jesus told us to discern the signs of the times (Matthew 16:3). He tells us to watch and pray, to stand in the counsel of the Lord, to mark and perceive His words. We must not to be like the foolish virgins but like the wise and buy oil now while our Bridegroom is delayed. Only those who are ready will go in with Him to the wedding. If we wait until we hear His call it will be too late. Therefore, since we do not know when Jesus is returning, He tells us to watch (Matthew 25:1-13).

The Lord told Isaiah to prophecy. He asked, “What shall I cry?” The Lord replied, “All flesh is grass, and all its loveliness is like the flower of the field. The grass withers, the flower fades, because the breath of the LORD blows upon it … The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God stands forever” (Isaiah 40:6-8). God’s word is true. Jesus is coming. Are we ready? Are we spending our time on things of eternal purpose or things that fade away like the flowers of the field?

Beloved, when the Son of Man returns will He find faith in our hearts? Do we believe He is coming again? What are we doing to prepare the way for His return? I don’t want to be like those who did not recognize His first coming. I don’t want to be like those who fall asleep. I don’t want to walk according to my own ways. I don’t want to waste my time. This life only lasts a moment. It is but a vapor. I don’t want to waste it. I want to watch and pray with Him. I believe He is coming to shake the heavens and the earth. I need His grace to watch and pray. I want to be a voice. I want to be a messenger. I want to be a voice preparing the way of the Lord. I believe that He is coming again. I don’t want to be like the scoffers. I want to hasten the day of His coming. I want to be found with oil in my lamp. I want to be found watching and waiting, ready to go out to meet our Bridegroom. I don’t want to waste my time as I wait here in this wilderness. I want to be a voice like John the Baptist crying out, “Prepare the way of the Lord!”

Let us not sleep. Let us be sober. Let us be watchful and alert. The day of the Lord is at hand. He will come just as He promised. When the Son of Man returns, let us be found watching, eagerly awaiting His appearing. Surely He will come like a thief, taking many by surprise. Let us be wise and prepare the way of the Lord.

Beware of the scoffing spirit. It comes upon us subtly. We may not laugh out loud, but in our hearts we do not believe. We do not recognize the signs. We squander our time. So many hours wasted. What vanity! So much time spent on things that have no eternal significance. Who will be found wise and faithful on that day? Watch therefore and be ready for the Lord is coming at an hour we do not expect (Matthew 24:42-45).

Do you believe He is coming? What are you doing to prepare the way for His return?

Chérie Blair