And while they were gazing intently into heaven as He went, behold, two men [dressed] in white robes suddenly stood beside them, Who said, Men of Galilee, why do you stand gazing into heaven? This same Jesus, Who was caught away and lifted up from among you into heaven, will return in [just] the same way in which you saw Him go into heaven (Acts 1:10-11 Amplified Bible). Who then is the faithful, thoughtful, and wise servant, whom his master has put in charge of his household to give to the others the food and supplies at the proper time? Blessed (happy, fortunate, and to be envied) is that servant whom, when his master comes, he will find so doing. I solemnly declare to you, he will set him over all his possessions.
Today there are many ideas about what constitutes the proclamation of the Gospel or “good news” of Jesus Christ. It’s important to note that Jesus came preaching (proclaiming) the Kingdom of God, what it is and how it operates, and Himself as the only one through whom any human being may gain entrance into this kingdom (Mark 1:14-15, John 14:6). When we undertake to discuss the Gospel of Jesus Christ (Mark 1:1), of necessity we must acknowledge everything that Jesus had to do in order to make entrance into the Kingdom of God available to all humanity. In sum, it entails the birth of Jesus, the life of Jesus, the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus, and the imminent return of Jesus.
We frequently discuss and celebrate the birth of Jesus (Christmas), as well as His death, burial and resurrection (Good Friday and Easter). Unfortunately, even in the midst of the signs that were prophesied to signal His return being manifest in the earth in ever-increasing measure, it seems as if even many professing Christians don’t take this seriously. Well our Scripture verse reassures us that the One Who was caught up into heaven, that is to say, Jesus, is coming back to receive His own and judge all who rejected Him. Jesus Himself emphasized that those who proclaim His name must prioritize fulfilling what He gave them to accomplish. Some of you reading this have been assigned the task of operating businesses with integrity and unimpeachable moral character; some have been assigned to be teachers to help prepare the next generation to achieve their God-given destiny; and others have been called into full-time ministry. Whatever your particular assignment (stewardship), know of a certainty that Jesus is watching how you handle this stewardship, and He expects to find you giving your all to it when He returns.
I don’t write this to bring condemnation or accusation, only to remind us that what the Lord emphasizes should be the foundation for how we prioritize our lives in the earth. Let me be the first to acknowledge that my priorities conflicted with the Lord’s priorities more times than I care to admit. I am so grateful that He is a merciful, gracious, and forgiving Lord. I want to encourage you to, like the Apostle Paul, forget those things that are behind, look diligently and intently upon what God has placed before you, and be found doing what God has given you to do at Jesus’ return. Beloved, whether He returns tomorrow or 500 years from now, it’s important for us to govern ourselves as if He is coming at any moment. HE IS COMING BACK!
Heavenly Father, by Your Spirit help us to be ever mindful of the eternal truth that the resurrected Jesus is coming again, not as the suffering servant, but as the Lord of the Universe; as the King over all who would call themselves king, and Lord over all who would call themselves lord. Help us to discern the hour and redeem the time. Help us to prioritize the stewardship that You have entrusted unto us as we look expectantly for our Redeemer. Thank You Father. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
May the Lord bless you and keep you. Until next week…Peace.
McClinton E. Porter
