The BIG event this week was
the solar eclipse—something I have only seen three times in my life and will
never see again. In areas where it was especially visible, schools closed or
dismissed early, businesses shut down, motels and hotels were completely
booked, block parties sprung up, and parking spaces were rented out for a
premium. Bou coups of special glasses were sold, while directions for making a
safe way to view the eclipse flooded the Internet, along with warnings about
the dangers of looking directly at the sun during an eclipse.
That’s a lot of hoopla for something with very little lasting effects. Yet there is a huge event coming that is rarely talked about these days and for which preparation is vital. It’s an occurrence that will happen only once in all of eternity and will be visible around the world. And the effects are life changing.
The Bible is full of verses that instruct and warn us about the return of Jesus:
“You also must be ready,
because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.” (Matthew
24:44)
“He who testifies to these
things says, ‘Yes, I am coming soon.’ Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!” (Revelation
22:20)
“Look! He comes with the
clouds of Heaven, and everyone will see Him!” (Revelation 1:7)
“And now, dear children,
continue in him, so that when he appears we may be confident and unashamed
before him at his coming.” (1 John 2:28)
How do we prepare for Jesus to come again? In Acts 16:31 a jailor asks Paul this very question. Paul’s answer is simple: “Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved.”
Are we prepared for this life-changing event which could be imminent? Have we, like the jailer, believed that Jesus died on the cross to forgive our sins? We can get ready simply by praying to Jesus, admitting our sin, and trusting in His sacrifice for our forgiveness.
Jesus’s coming will totally eclipse any solar event. And we will all see Him—no special glasses needed!
Be encouraged!
