As Christians, one if our foundational beliefs – the hope that we have in Christ Jesus – is that one day He is going to return for His beloved bride, His church. This is our hope and our ultimate reward: to spend eternity with our Lord and Savior. He will return for us one day, and many believe it will be soon, although of course no one knows the day or hour, not even Jesus himself! (See Matthew 24:36)
Do we wake up in the morning thinking, “What if Jesus returns today ?” That should be our daily hope and expectation: Today could be the big day! And we should act accordingly. But do we truly live each and every day as if we expect our Bridegroom to come today? Are we preparing every day for our special date for the wedding supper?
Think about how much time you spent preparing for your earthly wedding, if you are married. All your thoughts, all your plans, all your efforts for days and weeks and months centered around that big event, didn't they? Or if you are single, think about how much time you spend getting ready for a special date, like a prom, or your best friend's wedding. Shopping for the right dress, the right shoes and accessories, getting your hair and nails done..... all these preparations take your time, energy, and attention for days and weeks, don't they?
As special as these earthly dates are, they can't begin to compare to the date to come, when our beloved Lord picks us up not just for an evening, but for all eternity. What a glorious day that will be! Are we making our preparations? Are we going to be ready when Jesus returns? What if today is that day?
Is there anything you need to do before Christ returns? Do it now! First, if you have never received Him as your Lord and Savior, you need to take care of that today. Don't put it off, thinking that you'll do it later. What if He returns today? Or perhaps you have already received Him, but have been neglecting your spiritual life. You haven't been praying or reading the Bible or going to church. Remember what happened to the five foolish virgins who were not prepared when the Bridegroom came? You need to be ready. Do it now! You have to begin making your preparations, because what if He returns today?
Is there someone you need to make peace with? Do it now! Is there something you need to surrender to Him; some “secret” vice that you haven't fully given up? Do it now! Perhaps you've sensed Him calling you to do something but you've been hesitating. Do it now! Do whatever you need to do, make whatever preparations you've not yet made, and be ready for your beloved Bridegroom when He comes, because
