“If you get through with the lawn before I get back, start chopping the weeds in the back,” my dad would say as he started his white Dodge pickup to go to town. When I was a boy, I worked for my dad in his business as a contractor/home remodeler. He had me do the jobs that were not very glamorous but were important. I can’t begin to tell you how many closets I have painted or doors I have varnished.
At some point on most days he would leave me at the jobsite and drive away. He told me he was going. Sometimes he told me where he was going, but very rarely would he tell me when he would return, just that he would return.
In his absence I would work, or not. If I worked steadily and made progress on the job, I would look forward to his return with gladness. If I messed around and didn’t work, I didn’t look forward to his return with joy, but with fear. I didn’t want him to say, “what have you been doing?” How I saw his return depended on me. Was I ready, or not? Would he find me about his business?
One of the saddest things about this latest Rapture/end of the world prediction is that it takes our eye off truth. Jesus said he would return. He told us to be ready for his return. One day the sky will open and the Son will outshine the sun. It will happen but Jesus meant it when he said, “No one knows when that will be.” It is not on anyone’s timetable, it is not hidden in dates or numbers in the Bible, it is not revealed in ancient calendars, or to self-proclaimed prophets.
The one thing he told us, “Be Alert!”
When He comes, it could be a time of great joy and gladness, or a time of fear and trembling. Which it will be, depends on us. When He returns, will He find us ready? Will he find us living as He taught or will He find us neglecting the things of God?
Because Harold Camping was wrong, as we were all sure he would be; and because all those who have predicted it before were wrong; we could get the idea that it is never going to happen. Let’s have fun. I have laughed at many of your comments. Be sure however, we are making fun of self-important, deluded men, while still trusting the basic promise of God.
“The Lord is not slow about his promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance.” (2 Peter 3:9 NASB)
2 comments:
Good post. I love the analogy you used, and even the fact that your father returned on a white horse (or perhaps a Ram in this case). Very fitting!
Amen! We are to be busy while we wait- worshiping God and loving others. He wants to find us busy- like your Dad :)
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