I Promise, I’ll Come Back!

When I was a little girl, Dad often worked away from home. Sometimes he’d be gone for weeks at a time, but not once did we ever worry that he might not come home. We knew he’d come home because he told us he would.

Once, when he was gone for a month, all of us kids slept on the floor in front of the living room door the night he was coming home, so that we’d see him the minute he walked in. I fell asleep staring at the windows. I was so anxious to see Dad’s face!

Many years later, when Dad recalled that night, he had a different story. When he arrived, he came in through the kitchen door, walked past all of us asleep on the floor and woke Mom up. He asked her why we were all on the floor, and when she told him, he went out and came back in through the front door. Dad wouldn’t disappoint us.

Because Dad always kept his word, and always came home, we never doubted him.

Jesus also makes promises that He will keep. He promises that He’s coming back.

“When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am.” – John 14:3 – NLT

Though Jesus has never broken His word, many people doubt Him. But He knew they would…

“Above all, you must understand that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires. They will say, ‘Where is this “coming” he promised? Ever since our ancestors died, everything goes on as it has since the beginning of creation.’” – 2 Peter 3:3-4 NLT

I’m often asked, “Do you believe Jesus will return in your lifetime?” My answer: Absolutely! Why? Because Jesus told us to keep watch. If we are to keep watch, we must be watching for Someone! When Jesus says “Keep watch” I think it behooves us to be alert!

“But about that day or hour no one knows… Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day the Lord will come.” – Matthew 24:36-42 NLT

One thing is certain: we don’t have to worry that Jesus will come in through the back door…

“Then everyone will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds with great power and glory.” – Mark 13: 26 NLT

As children, when we knew it was time for Dad to come home, we’d be on our best behavior. We’d obey and do everything Mom told us to do. We didn’t want Mom to give Dad a bad report. The reality that Dad was coming home changed our behavior.

Does the reality that Jesus will return change your behavior? If you knew for a fact that Jesus was returning tonight, what would you do differently today? Do you know He’s not coming tonight?

We know Jesus will return because He told us He will, and He always keeps His word. We don’t know when, so we must choose how we will live as we wait: in watchful anticipation, or scoffing. Which have you chosen?