Prepared for Jesus!

For Saturday, December 23, 2023:

Luke 1:66 NLT: “Everyone who heard about it (the birth of John the Baptist) reflected on these events and asked, “What will this child turn out to be?” For the hand of the Lord was surely upon him in a special way.”

John the Baptist’s primary mission was to prepare the people for Jesus’ arrival.

A Jewish woman needed to pick up an order from my business, and the expected completion day was Friday. I said, “How about 4pm?” She said no. Shabbat, the Jewish sabbath, begins at sundown on Friday, and she was concerned with the late hour. “OK, how about 3 o’clock? What are you doing then?”

“Getting ready for Shabbat.” You see, honoring the Sabbath requires preparation. The holy day was not to be taken lightly!

Soon we celebrate Christmas, Jesus coming to earth to reconcile mankind’s position with God, probably the most important day since creation! And the question is, “Are you prepared? Have you prepared to meet your Savior face-to-face?” Jesus said he would return, and we have already seen many of the signs he told us to watch for. We may be in the last days of the end times!

Of course, “Time is getting close,” could mean next week to us or a thousand years to God. It would be foolish for anyone to think they know the date of the second coming. Nonetheless, we need to prepare for it. Are you “right” with God? Is “repent” part of who you are? Are you a friend of Jesus? Are you saved? Have you received the Holy Spirit?

When Jesus returns the next time, it will be biggest event since he came the first time. Are you ready to be impressed? Have you prepared?

Pastor Norton Lawellin

Jesus in the City Fellowship