Copyright © 2015 Wildwood Calvary Chapel Scripture taken from the New King James Version.

Copyright © 1979, 1980, 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc.

Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Soon and Very Soon

There were times my parents would go on dates, events, or some sort of outing that my

siblings and I could not attend. So, though they would be gone for a time, we knew the promise

of their return was true. During our times in which we were left to our own devices we

responded in one of two ways. We could either spend our day feeding our minds with

nonsense and lethargy, which was often the case, or we would be productive and active in the

hopes of blessing our parents. The times I can recall in which we cleaned the entire house or

did some other task in their absence would leave us excited and ready for their arrival. We

knew we had spent our time well and we were ready for them to see what we had done for

them. On the other hand, when they would come home and we had done nothing and had

made no efforts, we would feel squeamish and uncomfortable when they would walk through

the door. In both cases we knew they would return with abundant love for us and we would

be their children, though how excited we were, or ready we were, rested solely on us.

In Colossians 3:4 Paul states one of the most exciting promises that we, as Christians, can

hold to. He states, “When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him

in glory.” This should be enough to fill us with zeal and joy. Christ’s resurrection secured our

eternal citizenship of heaven. His death, elevated us to life. Although, as we know we are held

firmly in His hand and shall appear with Him, in our short time on earth let us be mindful. In

Titus 2:12-13 we are given this reminder, “…we should live soberly, righteously, and godly

in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and

Savior Jesus Christ...”

Let us live expectantly. Living in anticipation for His kingdom will cause us to aim our

standards higher. We have the promise of standing alongside our Savior, but how much better

will it be if we can say we lived ready and waiting? Let us not live with a mindset focused on

how much we’re missing out on or giving up. Rather, let us realize that in His presence is all

that we need—fullness of joy. If we have accepted Christ we can be sure of our appearing

with Him. However, how comfortable are we before Him with what we have done and how

we have lived? Soon and very soon our King is coming. This should get us excited! Let us

live soberly, walking righteously, seeking godliness, and zealously waiting for His return!

Emily Maloney