For over 2000 years, the people of earth have been hearing prophets speak of the 2^nd coming of Christ. Before Jesus was even born, scripture was preparing the world for this glorious event. As Christians, each generation has hoped it would happen in their lifetime, because what an honor it will be to presence the return of our Lord for His people!

As we read through the Bible, we read different scriptures that assure us that the end is near. In Matthew 24, the end of time is compared to a woman’s labor pains, which become stronger before the birth. We know that this comparison is made to show how the signs of end, described in Mark 13, are worsening.

In the Book of Joel, in the Old Testament, we see a serious, but gracious, call to repentance for the people of that day. Joel was urging them to get their hearts right with God before His judgement came down upon them. Chapter 2 begins with the mention of a blown trumpet, a sounding of alarm causing the “inhabitants of the land” to tremble! Joel then tells the people: “Return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love...” This is an exciting scene because this is a call for us today as well. Our time on this earth will come to an end and we will know God’s judgement, but we serve a gracious and compassionate God who desires for all to repent and return to Him.

 I live in an area close enough to a military base that allows us to hear when the soldiers are artillery training. There are days when the bombing is so loud that our windows rattle. The practice alarms and sirens ring loudly and keep us alert to the sounds in the air. Whenever I hear those loud thundering sounds, I can't help but think of that trumpet sound that will announce the coming of our Savior, and it fills me with excitement every time! It is time to “Return to the Lord”! We don’t know if the Lord will return in our lifetime or in the next, but we should seek to ready our hearts so that we aren’t caught unprepared. Our Lord is loving, and patient and I believe that He is giving us all an opportunity to come to Him before the alarming sound in the sky is really Christ, returning for His children.

Suggested Prayer:

Dear God, even though I don’t know exactly when, I know that your coming is near. I want to be ready for that day and so today, I ask that you open your arms to me yet again and draw me close to you. I desire to be right with you and eagerly await the day you return for your children. As I look at everything happening in the world today, I can see how the need for you is great and so I ask that you use me to share your love and bring others to you as well. I pray this in Jesus’ gracious and loving name, Amen.

1. Joel 2:1