2 Peter 3:4
‘and saying, “Where is the promise of His coming? For ever since the fathers fell asleep, all continues just as it was from the beginning of creation,”‘
The people in this passage didn’t believe Jesus was coming back. They would mock the christians about it. Most people don’t think often about the second coming. Even if they do believe in its eventuality.
The Lord advertises this event with a surprise element. This puts a certain amount of worry in us. I’ve been to several evangelistic meetings in which the speaker talked of the rapture and the second coming. It was concerning.
The Lord wants us to be thoughtful about the these events. It draws us close to Him. This is part of what it means to fear The Lord. It causes us to listen to Him.
Jesus told some parables which included the theme of the master returning or the bridegroom showing up in a surprise manner. These passages makes a couple of points: we should be walking with Christ (growing in and using our talents in service) and to be ready.
The concept of “being ready” used to make me nervous. I was aware of my weaknesses and failings. I knew I had much room for improvement. However, that’s not how God views us. He knows we aren’t perfect. He isn’t concerned about that. I’ve since come to believe that to be ready is to be open to Him. It really isn’t about His returning. He is with us presently. He wants to walk with us and help us daily. To be open to that is what He wants.
He puts the second coming message to apply some pressure to attend to Him. We have a tendency to procrastinate. That message intends to make God a priority.
Lord, thank You for the rapture and the second coming. Let it cause us to put You first in our lives.