Church bulletin:
It first occurred a number of months ago – I was working on a sermon when the screen turned blue and a message appeared in white text, “your PC ran into a problem and needs to restart. We’re just collecting some error info and then we’ll restart you”. It is known as the blue screen of death. I have also heard it called the blue face of death because the following image always appears with the message 🙁
It has now happened numerous times. Apparently there is a way of addressing it, but ultimately it points to the fact that my PC has seen better days and is on its last legs. Until I get around to upgrading I know that the blue screen with its sad face is going to assault me again, I just don’t know when.
This simple scenario reminds me of something else which is both expected yet unexpected – the return of the Lord Jesus Christ. We know He is coming, we just don’t know when. For this reason the Bible exhorts us to always be ready. People will be going about their ordinary business – marriage, work, recreation, etc. Life will be very normal and as it was with the flood in Noah’s day, Christ will suddenly appear in judgement. Matt 24:42, “Watch therefore, for you do not know what hour your Lord is coming”. The same idea is presented in many of the parables, Christ will return without warning and then judgement follows. He will come as a thief in the night (1 Thess 5); no announcement; no signs.
Therefore we should live expecting the unexpected return of Christ. It would seem that the Christians in the first century believed that His return was imminent (2 Peter 3) and I see no reason why we should not have the same mindset. 2 Peter 3:12-14, “Looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be dissolved, being on fire, and the elements will melt with fervent heat? 13Nevertheless we, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells. 14Therefore, beloved, looking forward to these things, be diligent to be found by Him in peace, without spot and blameless”
Do you live in a state of preparedness – hungering and thirsting after righteousness; faithful in serving; sacrificial in giving; earnest in devotion; fervent in love; humble in heart; repentant in disposition. He may not return for a thousand years; He may return tonight. Are you ready; in what state would He find you?
Even so come quickly Lord Jesus!