Psalm 119:81 My soul faints with longing for your salvation,
    but I have put my hope in your word.

This brings to mind the many people who are eagerly looking forward to Christ’s return. On social media and in conversations, the subject comes up frequently. The world is indeed a jumbled mess, at least from our perspective, and Christ’s return would certainly simplify things! The point for us, however, is to be faithful in whatever the Lord has assigned to us to do, and do it with all the strength and wisdom that He provides. There have been people for the past 2000 years who, anticipating Christ’s return, have essentially stopped living normal lives, participating in society. That’s the height of foolishness and presumption, because Jesus said repeatedly that we don’t know the timing, but we are to be ready for whenever He returns. That means loving Him and loving our neighbor, and living accordingly. Our eagerness for God’s salvation, as expressed in this verse, shouldn’t keep us from extending His grace to the people around us, and giving Him thanks and praise in the process. I was quite young when I first heard the phrase, “They’re so heavenly minded they’re no earthly good.” We aren’t to be like that! We are to be so committed to Him that He finds us very easy to use, in drawing people to Himself and in general, doing His will. If we live like that, when the time comes, we will indeed hear the sweetest words in the universe: “Well done, good and faithful servant.”

I find the subject of Christ’s return comes up more and more frequently, as it did twice yesterday with different people. It’s not at all bad to be looking forward to it, to be excited about it. However, I’m not to be distracted by it, either. Considering that I’m 78, it will come for me in no more than about 20 years. The timing is the last thing I’m to be worried about! I have a very full schedule from now through the end of the month, and I’m to be faithful with every element of it. My wife and I had a friend who was convinced the Lord would return during her natural lifetime, but He hadn’t done so and she was well past 100, she finally surrendered it into His hands. We find that a bit amusing, but I’m capable of the same sort of presumption, and it won’t benefit anyone. This morning we head to a 3-day meeting in Osaka, which greatly complicates our routines. It would be very convenient for us if the Lord were to show up this morning, but I don’t think that’s going to happen. I am to go through each day seeking to be God’s agent for whatever He wants to do through me. Sometimes I know ahead of time what that’s going to be, but far more often I don’t. I’m not to be uptight about anything, but rest, relax, and rejoice in Him, just as He has told me to do, for His glory.

Father, thank You for this reminder. Thank You for all the videos that keep popping up on the Internet of people who are excited for Christ’s return. I pray that all of Your children would have that anticipation, and at the same time be fully faithful for whatever the task at hand might be, so that Your purposes may be accomplished on Your schedule for Your glory. Thank You. Hallelujah!