Revelation 22:20, 21 He who testifies to these things says, "Surely I am coming quickly." Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus! The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen. --NKJV In the name of the One Whose grace keeps us unto eternal life, amen.
In one way or another all this week we have been asking the question, "Are you ready?" We can look inside of ourselves for the answer, but we will never be sure. That is because we cannot make ourselves ready. We can fool ourselves into thinking we are ready by measuring our feelings, or even by trying to measure our faith. But being ready has everything to do with Christ and just about nothing to do with us.
Instead of looking inside of ourselves, we must look to Christ; it is His grace that makes us ready. So, do you want to prepare for Jesus' return? Then get into the word and sacraments because that is where you receive Jesus' grace, and that is what will make you ready. Do you doubt that you are ready? Then confess your sins and receive again the absolution-the forgiveness that Jesus won for you by His perfect life and innocent death. Then look again at Jesus' words: "He that believes and is baptized shall be saved." That's grace. Remember that God cannot lie. By your confession you demonstrate belief; by His promise you are ready. Amen.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, by ourselves we will never be ready for our Savior's return. Send Your Holy Spirit to work repentance in us through the preaching of Your Law. Increase faith in us through the preaching of Your Gospel of forgiveness so that we are ready. In Jesus' name we pray, amen.
Copyright 2001 Reformation Lutheran Church http://ReformationChurch.org