Preparation. A word that comes with many negative connotations, especially when we ourselves have to deal with it. Why? Preparation often means much waiting and hard work. When an exam is coming up, it requires hours of studying, sitting and learning. Preparation. If a Christmas party is being held at your house, you will need to commit to hours of cleaning, planning and cooking. Preparation. We do it because we know that only those who are willing to sacrifice will reap the rewards of their hard labor.
What success then will be attained by those who prepare in faith? The heaviness that this word preparation bears prevents us from remembering the ultimate gift that comes to those who sacrifice: eternal life. Our God is so good, that He has promised everlasting life to those who prepare for His coming with love, obedience and faith. How beautiful is this? THIS is how much he loves us. Yet, the conditions to attain the ultimate goal appear daunting to the human mind. For what love requires is to respect our enemy. What obedience requires is that we follow the Lord’s commandments. What faith requires is to trust not in our own instinct, but in the Lord’s plan. When we say, “Yes, Lord, I love you,” how far must we go to prove this with our words, actions and character?
“Be sure of this: if the master of the house had known the hour when the thief was coming, he would not have let his house be broken into.” (Luke 12:39). Having been assured of the Lord’s return, it is up to us to remain strong in faith and not be distracted by the things of this world. Let us not be disheartened by the negative connotations that the word preparation so often carries with it. Instead, let us rejoice in the truth that we are being welcomed into the kingdom of heaven to be with our Heavenly Father. For the happiness we know on Earth is nowhere near what our Lord has prepared for us in His kingdom. Let us walk by love, obedience and faith, knowing very well that Christ is coming, and He wants us to be with Him. Preparation. Are you ready?
“Be sure of this: if the master of the house had known the hour when the thief was coming, he would not have let his house be broken into.” (Luke 12:39). Having been assured of the Lord’s return, it is up to us to remain strong in faith and not be distracted by the things of this world. Let us not be disheartened by the negative connotations that the word preparation so often carries with it. Instead, let us rejoice in the truth that we are being welcomed into the kingdom of heaven to be with our Heavenly Father. For the happiness we know on Earth is nowhere near what our Lord has prepared for us in His kingdom. Let us walk by love, obedience and faith, knowing very well that Christ is coming, and He wants us to be with Him. Preparation. Are you ready?