Closer than we think

For all creation is waiting eagerly for that future day when God will reveal who his children really are. Against its will, all creation was subjected to God’s curse. But with eager hope, the creation looks forward to the day when it will join God’s children in glorious freedom from death and decay. For we know that all creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. And we believers also groan, even though we have the Holy Spirit within us as a foretaste of future glory, for we long for our bodies to be released from sin and suffering. We, too, wait with eager hope for the day when God will give us our full rights as his adopted children, including the new bodies he has promised us. We were given this hope when we were saved. (If we already have something, we don’t need to hope for it. But if we look forward to something we don’t yet have, we must wait patiently and confidently.) (Romans 8:19-25)

Last days? Closer than we think? Jesus followers will always look forward to the day when death and decay will no longer be the norm. Longing for bodies that are released from sin, suffering, illness, and disease is only part of awaiting Christ's return. The more we draw close to Jesus, the more internal yearning we have to be closer to him. We are given a foretaste of future glory, with the promised Holy Spirit indwelling our spirits, but there is much, much more awaiting those who yearn for his second coming.

While we wait, we just do so with action, not just attitude. Christ followers are called to remain vigilant in their pursuit of righteousness. We are called to share our faith, not with an attitude that says we are better than anyone else, but with humility, grace, and love. Remember, 'there but for the grace of God' go each one of us! While we are called to wait 'patiently' and 'confidently', we are not called to just 'bide one's own time'. We are told to have an eager hope - anticipation. In the meantime, we are reminded that we are to be 'on mission' with Jesus.

When the revelation of who all of God's children really are, will you be one of those identified as a Christ follower. Or will you be identified as one of those who merely proclaimed to belong to a church, a denomination, or a religion? If we 'identify' as a Christ follower, there will be an eagerness to live according to his principles as declared in scripture. An attitude of heart will be evident that shines forth the love and grace of Jesus. A hope will be found deep within, not for the moral right or the liberal left, but for the truth and justice of God in all things.

Be ready. Be vigilant. Be his hands and feet to a lost and hurting world. Await his coming with earnest anticipation but never with inaction. The term "Jesus followers" suggests action - you cannot follow if you are not active in this faith walk! Just sayin!