Putting Winter Away

John 14:1-3 (NIV) ¹  "Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. ²  In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. ³  And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.

Today I took in the shovels at my house and put them in the basement. I put the shovels in the church foyer down into the basement level of the building. Do you think that is a bit premature? Some people might think that’s a guaranteed way to insure that it will snow again. That sounds a bit superstitious to me. We have a certainty that Spring will come. We know there will be a day when we can be sure there will be no more snow. But we’re in that time when we cannot be absolutely certain. We are hopeful (I am hopeful, anyway) that no more snow will come and Spring will get underway (regardless of its official date).

The Word of God gives us a certainty that our Lord and Savior is going to return. His own words assure us. But He never gave His followers a date. There seem to be some signs given in the Scriptures, but generations before have thought they had seen the signs, yet Jesus did not return. Some, through the ages, have given up hope that Jesus will return. They wonder where the promise of His coming is. I, for one, am quite ready to put this world away now and see Jesus come in glory. But I am not in charge. And just like I won’t throw my shovels away – because my final Spring may not have come yet (I will put them away for another winter) – I will continue living for the Lord and seeking His will in this world here and now. I will keep my eyes open for His return, but His future return will not lead me to abandon all my responsibilities as His follower in this world. I long to be with Him just like I long for Spring. I’m ready to put away earthly struggles, aches and pains, and the battle with sin and its consequences in this life, just like I’m ready to put away my shovels… to put away winter.

I wonder if this is, in part, a factor of my age. When I was younger I wanted Jesus to wait a while longer before He returned. I had too much living I wanted to do. I still have living that I want to do, but I don’t cling to it like I did when I was younger. When I was younger I loved winter, too. I loved the snow. I have changed. Every year I am eager to put winter away… to put it behind me.

I pray the Lord will always instill in me an eagerness to put this world behind me so that my eyes might be on the glory that will accompany both His return and what follows. A song Andrae Crouch once wrote says, “Soon and very soon, we are going to see the King…” God’s Word encourages each of us to be ready for the return of our Lord. May the prospect of His coming give us joy and lead us to be faithful until that day. AMEN.

Hebrews 10:25 (NIV)  Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another--and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

James 5:8 (NIV)  You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord's coming is near.

Matthew 24:44 (NIV)  So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.

2 Timothy 4:8 (NIV)  Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day--and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.

Titus 2:11-13 (NIV) ¹¹  For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. ¹²  It teaches us to say "No" to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, ¹³  while we wait for the blessed hope--the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ,

2 Peter 3:9-10 (NIV) ⁹  The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. ¹⁰  But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything in it will be laid bare.

Revelation 22:20 (NIV)  He who testifies to these things says, "Yes, I am coming soon." Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.

PRAYER:  Father, thank you for the peace that is mine because you never change. Guide me with confidence through any and all of the earthly changes I face, knowing that you are always working for my good. I love you. In Jesus’ name. AMEN.”

Jesus Christ is Lord!    

Scott