Do We Really Want The Lord To Return Today? — Sunday Thought For The Day

We’ve often heard Christians say that they want the Lord to return right now or that they want Him to return today. I suspect that some who we’ve heard say this do so in an attempt to be pious. Some are quite serious. But are persons who opine that truly thinking about what they are saying? My conclusion is that they really haven’t.

If the Lord were to return this very moment, how many of our family members would be caught up together with Him in the air, as scripture says? How many who make that statement have children and loved ones who are not saved? If the Lord where to return this very minute what would He find us doing? What untoward thought would be in our mind or what sinful thing would we be saying or doing? What if there is unconfessed sin in our lives? Yes, it is true that scripture tells us that at the time of His return there will not be anyone who has not had the opportunity to accept Him as Savior; but should we nonetheless care about those who have not accepted Him?

The Lord’s return is both certain and imminent; and yes, those of us who have accepted Him as Savior will join Him immediately in the air. But should we not be concerned about those who have not accepted Him as Savior? Especially if they are our children, our spouse, our friends and loved ones?

Personally I think it is thoughtless and dare I say even selfish for Christians to want the Lord’s return right now or today. I feel that way because I believe we should share the same concern for the lost that the Lord does.

What if He had returned before we accepted Him as Savior? The answer is we would have been left to suffer through the “tribulation.” Even worse, we might have died unsaved and been condemned to spend all eternity in hell.

My position is that I am secure in knowing that should the Lord return before I die that I, my wife and son, and many of my friends will go with Jesus; but that doesn’t allow me to have no concern for those family members, friends, and others who are not saved.

I, as did the Apostle Paul, believe that while it is good for those who are saved to have the Lord return, it is best for others if we want to see them saved before He does.

READ: Philippians 1:20-25 (KJV)
20 According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death.

21 For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.

22 But if I live in the flesh, this is the fruit of my labour: yet what I shall choose I wot not.

23 For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better:

24 Nevertheless to abide in the flesh is more needful for you.

25 And having this confidence, I know that I shall abide and continue with you all for your furtherance and joy of faith;