Today's Passage - John 14:3-4

River of Life Christian Church ︳www.rolcc.net/english John 14: 3-4   "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. You know the way to the place where I am going."   The Lord's promise is so explicit: He will return and take us with Him.  Do you have such an assurance and hope? I recalled when I was working in Washington DC many years ago, there were a few Christians in my office. One time when we had a conversation on the returning of our Lord, a single mom raising two children responded immediately, "How much do I wish that the Lord would take me back to heavenly home today!  I am tired of living in this world." She actually meant that this is a painful world, and she would like to see her life ended sooner.  Another younger female co-worker then replied, "Not so soon, for I have not fully enjoyed my life." This sounded like the heavenly happiness is inferior to the worldly enjoyment.   There was another co-worker who had never thought of the returning of the Lord.  To him whether the Lord is returning or not did not really matter.    Many people are very knowledgeable in analyzing things of this world:  such as the ups and downs of the stock and job markets; and their predictions are quite convincing. Although they are keen in the knowledge of this world, yet they are bewildered in their spiritual understanding. Jesus had once told the Pharisees, "You are good at reading the weather signs in the sky, but you can't read the obvious signs of the times!"  If we study God's words with fear and honor, there is no denial that God's return is imminent.   Since God's return is imminent, how should be prepare ourselves to welcome His coming?  First, we need to lead a godly life. Whatever we do, we do it for the Lord and for His glory.  Many Christians hope that our Lord returns at the time we are praying.  In reality, it is not important what we are doing when our Lord returns, but rather are we well prepared for His coming and are we bearing testimonies for Him in anticipation of His return?   Secondly, we should also have a heart of yawning, zealously   looking forward to   His return.  This desire then becomes the motives and strength in our lives and for His ministry.  Brothers and sisters, our understanding and attitude to the second coming of our Lord obviously have an impact on how we lead our lives today.  The power of the early churches in testifying for the Lord was built upon the assurance they had on His return. Yet the churches today, often times, have fallen into situation of self indulgence because we have lost the yawning for His coming.  May the Lord give us our fervent love we had once for Him. May we also live for our Lord every day in our lives!                    Pray with Pastor Tong           Lord, we welcome you.  May you be the Lord of sovereignty over our lives.  In this generation especially, may we be a testimony for your glory.  Grant us  a heart fervent and  longing for your return.  With thanks we pray, in the victorious name of Jesus, Amen!