Day 8: The Gospel-Appearance
Before Jesus left he said to his disciples, “I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (Matt. 28:20). We generally like the thought of Jesus being with us always (and everywhere) but what about the end of the age?
We might think the word “always” is the same thing as “to the end of the age” but Jesus taught that there was a “present age” as well as an “age to come” (Mark 10:30). In this future age, there will be eternal life and all persecution will be in the permanent past. It is the age of restoration, becoming a new creation, the coming of what Peter called times of “refreshing.” Sounds good, right?
But why must we wait so long for it to arrive? Because it is not only a time of blessing, it is a time when Jesus himself will judge the living and dead. Only those who call on the name of the Lord will survive it (Acts 2:19–21; 10:42). The delay in Jesus’ appearance is all part of God’s plan and mercifully keeps open a window of opportunity. When Peter preached the gospel, he included this chapter of the story by urging, “Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord, and that he may send the Messiah, who has been appointed for you—even Jesus. Heaven must receive him until the time comes for God to restore everything, as he promised long ago through his holy prophets” (Acts 3:19–21).
Question to Consider:
Sometimes I don’t want to answer the doorbell because I’m still in my pajamas. I’m not ready. What change should you make to be fully ready to meet Jesus when he shows up?
Prayer
By Dr. Bob Stallman