READING: Romans 9-12
“. . . it is already the hour for you to wake up from sleep.”
Romans 13:11
Every day we live brings us closer to the return of Jesus.
Decades ago, I believed that Jesus’ return would happen before I married; in fact, I thought He would come back before I graduated from high school. I was wrong then, but I’m not wrong about the statement above. Every day that passes before us now is indeed one day closer to eternity – and that truth should change the way we live.
That’s what Paul understood when he wrote to the Romans: “Besides this, since you know the time, it is already the hour for you to wake up from sleep, because now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed” (Rom. 13:11). The missionary apostle called the Romans to awaken from spiritual apathy, put away filthy deeds, and put on Christ – all in preparation for the return of Christ. They were to walk away from temporary pleasures of the flesh and “walk with decency” (Rom. 13:13).
Think about how much would change if indeed we knew that Jesus is coming back today. We’d might righteous choices, I suspect. We’d capture every little thought we have, seeking to think instead like Christ. We’d repair relationships, turn from our idols, and evangelize more. Because Jesus could indeed return today, we need to awaken from our spiritual apathy and follow Him.
Beginning with me.
ACTION STEPS:
- Think about how you’d change your life if you knew Jesus were returning today.
- Choose to live that way.
PRAYER: “God, I want to be working and holy when You come again. Help me to live that way today.”
TOMORROW’S READING: Acts 20:4-23:35