Are you anticipating His arrival?

“Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;” Titus 2:13 KJV

            This past weekend, my wife and I had the opportunity to enjoy a scenic train ride as part of the Fall Foliage Excursions to the little sleepy historic town of Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania. God’s beauty was on display with the beginning of the autumn season and a warm sunny day. One of the things that impressed me most were the amount of spectators along tracks during the 60 mile ride to our destination. At every railroad crossing, open spaces in the fields, and through the small boroughs people lined up taking pictures and capturing video of the refurbished Classic Steam Engine that pulled us along. They were waiting with anticipation for its arrival.

            As I thought about this, my mind went to the many things we eagerly wait for anticipating its arrival. Most of them, if not all of them, are earthly things with no eternal value. That is not to say we shouldn’t enjoy the things God created for us to enjoy, I certainly enjoyed the Fall Foliage train ride. And there are many other things I enjoy in this life and anticipate the moment to engage in them. But do we anticipate the greatest moment of all when the Lord Jesus returns for those have believed in Him.

            Those along the tracks waiting for the arrival of the steam engine train are aware of its soon arrival. Schedules are posted in advanced with departure and arrival times. The train usually runs on time, so one can estimate what time the train will arrival at their location. Also a sure sign it is close is the blowing of the whistle and the black exhaust and white steam protruding out into the sky. Train enthusiasts will heed the warnings and be prepared for its arrival.

            We also have signals and warning signs that the arrival of our Lord Jesus Christ could be near. No, we do not have God’s scheduled time table, but we do know He is never late and always on time. Jesus told His disciples the signs of His return in Matthew chapter 24, there will be wars and rumors of wars, famines and earthquakes will be dominate, and many false prophets will lead people away from the true gospel of Christ. We can almost hear the whistles of the Jesus’s arrival in the distance.

              The Lord Jesus’s return is certain. The gospel train is ready to leave the station, the conductor is announcing ‘all aboard.’ Are you sure you will be on that train when it comes around the bend, or will it pass you by as you take a picture?

Read Matthew 24, The Signs of the Lord’s Return: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+24&version=NLT