People Get Ready

Image by Eustaquio Santimano via Flickr

The song below nicely sums up some readings I’d like to reflect on today…

People Get Ready, Jesus Is Coming
by Crystal Lewis
Lord I’m ready. Now I’m waiting for your triumphant return. You’re coming soon. This world has nothing for me. I find my peace and joy solely in you. Only in you, I want the world to see that you’re alive and living well in me. Let me be a part of the harvest for the days are few. He’s coming soon. Those who do not know, they will hear, “Depart, I knew you not.” For my friends, you see, there will be a day when we’ll be counted, so know him well.

So people, get ready. Jesus is coming. Soon we’ll be going home.
People get ready. Jesus is coming to take from the world his own.

There will be a day when we will be divided right and left for those who know him and those that do not know. Those who know him well, will meet with him in the air, Hallelujah, God is with us…

Date Lectionary Readings [1st, RP, ( 2nd), A*, G]
S 11/28 1^ Is 2:1-5, Ps 122:1-9, (Rom 13:11-14), Ps 85:8, Ma 24:37-44

Summation of the Readings for 11/28/10
The 1st Reading from Isaiah tells us about his vision concerning Judah and Jerusalem. The previous passage describes Zion as the Messianic Capital and the passage after focuses on judgment against idols. The 2nd Reading from Romans concerns the duty of a Christian to obey authority and to recognize that love fulfills the law. The passage before describes a Christian’s duty to live and die for Christ, while the one following tells Christians it is our duty to exercise patience and self-denial. The Gospel Reading reminds us that we do not know when Jesus will return. Of course, a specific relevant message for us today beyond these basic topics is contained within the readings.

Reflection
The 1st Reading also tells us that at the Second Coming, people will come to be instructed in the Way of the Lord, some people will be taken from the world, the Lord will judge and impose punishments, and nations then will be at peace. Isaiah concludes by telling the people to “come walk in the Way of the Lord.” Why? If people are wanting to be instructed in the Way, we must realize that our actions speak louder than words. If someone else is looking to me for the Way to salvation, I don’t want to let them or God down.

In the Roman’s passage, we are told to “wake up” because “salvation is nearer than when you first believed.” Further, we are reminded to “conduct ourselves as if all can see.” Whose watching? Anyone who is looking to learn the Way of the Lord might see what we do. Even when all might not see, some see. Again, shouldn’t we take the responsibility seriously if someone’s salvation might depend on us? Further, even if no person sees, God sees. If we claim to be people of the Light, we better be walking in the Light, in the Way. When the Lord comes again, He will leave those walking in the dark, those focused on desires of the flesh, to dwell in darkness. We have a choice now. We will not then. Choose the Light and now, before it’s too late.

The Gospel of Matthew reading tells us we don’t know when the Lord will return anymore than people knew when the Great Flood was coming. No doubt, we realize what a disaster missing the boat then was. I don’t want to miss the boat. The author goes on to say, hey, stay awake as if a thief might be coming. We might be a bit resistant to thinking of the Lord as a thief, but the simile sure catches our attention. We certainly should care more about losing our opportunity to live eternally in the Light than losing anything of this world. Further, if half will be taken presumably to the Heavenly Kingdom and 1/2 will be left behind as it says in the reading, it makes sense in context that those who are ready – those who are walking in the Way of the Lord – will be the ones taken up. If Satan is going to reign, I don’t want to be here. Do you?

To Contemplate
How do your personal thoughts of sin affect you and those around you?
Why might the Lord judge you as “not ready”?
When do you examine your conscience?
Where do you imagine the Lord will first make His return known?
What will you do to stay awake and ready yourself?
Who brings out the best in you?

Prayer of Devotion
Lord of Heaven and Earth, King of Kings,
each person formed in God’s image has the potential to be as beautiful as You;
thank you for showing us how by your example.
As I move forward from this moment, help me to put forth the effort to be more mindful of my thoughts and actions, more willing to make amends and more able to recognize how best to proceed in the Way, yielding to God’s will.
“Lord make me an instrument of Your Peace.”
Let it be, O Gracious Lord.

If you have enjoyed this, my PEOPLE GET READY post, (which alludes to the image of the Second Coming of Jesus the Christ as a thief in the night for whom we should be awake and awaiting) or if you like poetry, the following link may be of interest…
On One Thief I Wait (on Poemhunter.com)

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