Keep one eye on the eastern sky

Jesus promised it. So now, we wait. We’ve been waiting for a long time, but it’s worth remembering that time doesn’t mean the same thing to God as it does to us.

Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me. There is more than enough room in my Father’s home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am. (John 14:1-3)

I’m writing this week’s devotions while I’m on vacation in Galveston, Texas.

I haven’t been on a real vacation in longer than I can remember. Usually all the travel I do is work related, and even on this trip I have still worked some. I’ve just been intentional about doing more things that refresh me than drain me.

I hopped on the Galveston ferry today to go eat lunch on the island across the way, Bolivar Island. As I was driving toward the ferry I realized with a start that I’d never done the ferry by myself. Every time I’ve been in Galveston, I’ve been with family members or friends, always with someone else driving (that’s how long it had been since I was in Galveston). I had a vague idea of what was going to happen. I had some memories. But I really didn’t remember how the process works.

And, what made it even more exciting, I was one of the first cars to board the ferry. So I was all the way at the front. First on, first off. There’s nothing more intimidating than knowing you have a literal boatload of Texas drivers behind you waiting for you to get out of their way.

One of the boat attendants, in his bright orange insulated vest (it was cold down here) waved at me to tell me where to stop, and then he put a bright yellow wheel chock behind my front tires. Then he wandered off to make sure the other vehicles were secure, but I realized immediately that he would be returning as soon as we approached the Bolivar Port. And since I was the head of the line, I knew I needed to be ready to go as soon as he gave me the signal, so that I didn’t hold anyone up.

So on the way over, I stayed in the car. You can actually get out and walk around while the ferry is moving, but I decided to stay put (also it was cold for Texas). Sure enough, the dude showed up again as the port came into view. We stopped, he got rid of the wheel chock, and he pointed out where I was supposed to go.

I was thinking about that as I read today’s verse. This was something Jesus said to His disciples as the clock was ticking down to His crucifixion. Jesus said a lot of things in this part of the Book of John, strange things, confusing things, upsetting things. The disciples, lacking the understanding from the Holy Spirit as well as the willingness to listen, didn’t always get what He was trying to tell them.

There are several sections in the Gospel where Jesus repeatedly tells them that He is going to die. He doesn’t keep it a secret. He keeps telling them, and they don’t get it. I guess they thought He was being metaphorical? I don’t know. These guys were something else.

But this passage in particular is so important because it involves something that hasn’t happened yet. Not even in our time. In fact, we’re still waiting for it. This is a promise that modern-day Christians hold dear: Jesus’ return.

His second coming is something Jesus talked about frequently, but it wasn’t just Him talking about it. The Psalms speak of it. The prophets wrote about it. And the New Testament called Jesus’ return the Glorious Hope of the Church.

Jesus went back to heaven. He sent the Holy Spirit to be our helper. But one day He would come back for us. One day He could come back and set everything right. I believe it was J.R.R. Tolkien who wrote that on that day everything sad will become untrue.

Jesus promised it. So now, we wait. We’ve been waiting for a long time, but it’s worth remembering that time doesn’t have the same meaning to God as it does to us. And it’s also worth remembering that God isn’t running late; He’s just patient. Every day He waits more people come to believe in Him.

He could come back any day. There are no other signs left to fulfill. No other world events remain to take place.

Sure, He could tarry another hundred years. That’s up to Him. And if that’s what He chooses to do, that’s what needs to happen. But what if doesn’t? What if He comes tomorrow? What if He comes today? What if He comes before you finish reading this devotion?

Are you ready?

Jesus promised to come back, and He always keeps His promises. Are you ready to go when He calls? Are you ready to put your car in gear and move as soon as those wheel chocks come out? Have you put your house in order? Have you packed your metaphorical bags? Have you stored up your treasures in heaven instead of here on earth where you’ll have to leave them behind? Does your family know where you’re going? Do your friends know where you’re going?

It’s not that we need to stop living life. Keep working. Keep serving. Be about God’s business. But that doesn’t mean you can’t keep one eye on the eastern sky at the same time.

For Deeper Study

• Read 2 Peter 3:8. How does this verse describe the way God perceives time differently than us? What would a week look like to God in this case?

• Read the next verse, 2 Peter 3:9. What is God waiting for?

• Read Matthew 24:36. Who knows when Jesus will return? Who doesn’t know? Why is this important to remember?

For Reflection

• What would you say to someone who doesn’t believe Jesus is coming back because we’ve been waiting for so long?

• What does God’s delay in returning mean for you? What about for your family and friends?

• How is one way you can make the most of your time while you wait for Jesus to return?

Weekly Memory Verse