Guest post: Just Like Lightning

Today’s post is written by my friend, Jeanette. If you want, you can send your kids to check out my post over at *Morning Cocoa*.

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Matthew 24:27 – For as lightning that comes from the east is visible even in the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man.”

Luke 21:26-28 – Men will faint from terror, apprehensive of what is coming on the world, for the heavenly bodies will be shaken. At that time they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.”

lightning storm
Have you ever passionately longed for something only to have years go by without seeing any results? Have you dreamed about something so long that it seemed impossible that it would ever happen? That is how so many have felt about President Barack Obama’s election. They have longed for, waited for, prayed for this day, and now their joy is too deep for words. Our country is full of excitement and celebration and speechless tears of joy. The day they have waited for so long has finally, finally come.

Believe it or not, there is an even better day coming!

From the time I was very little, I heard that Jesus would come back some day. To be honest, in my little girl’s mind, it was a bit scary. I knew that He would come in the clouds. I had heard that there would be a bright light and a trumpet blowing that would let everyone know what was happening. And I was told that He would come “in the twinkling of an eye.” I thought about that a lot. How long does it take an eye to twinkle? That’s pretty fast! And what if things weren’t right between Him and me, and that twinkling happened?

Here’s my story in a nutshell (and I’ll bet yours is very similar): My sins alienated me from God. I discovered, though, that Jesus, God’s Son, came to earth many, many years ago and allowed Himself to be crucified even though He never did anything wrong. This was because He loved me so much that He wanted to die in my place (and in yours) to take my punishment so that I could be forgiven. When I heard about this, my heart believed Him and began loving Him back. I asked God to forgive me, and He did. That means that I am ready for that “twinkling” if it should happen in my lifetime. And I want you to be ready, too!

We hear a lot about prophecy and the end times and how terrible our world – the only home we know – is going to get before Jesus comes again. In fact, some days we look around and think we must be getting awfully close to that day. When things seem to be closing in, we might hear the voice of doom and despair and feel like giving up.

But, oh, what hope there is in my heart because of Jesus’ words: “Your redemption is drawing near!” Now that I am older, I realize that this is not a scary thing. This will be the biggest rescue operation of all time!

Ever since I was a little girl, a common everyday thing has reminded me that Jesus could come back any time. On dull days, the sun sometimes unexpectedly comes out from behind the clouds, and everything suddenly brightens. I can’t explain the other-world feeling of excitement that shoots through me when this happens. Could that be Jesus coming back?? My heart beats fast… But this has been longer than a twinkling… and there is no trumpet… But someday, the day we have waited for so long will finally, finally come!

Jesus, I am so anxious for you to come back again to this tired wicked old world. We have been waiting so long that sometimes it seems like it will never happen, but I want to be ready, every minute, for that wonderful twinkling!

4 Responses to Guest post: Just Like Lightning

  1. January 21, 2009 #

    Thank you, Jeanette, for another beautiful post. “Even so, Lord Jesus, quickly come!”

  2. January 22, 2009 #

    Halelujah! Come quickly, Lord Jesus!

    Jean

  3. January 22, 2009 #

    Great post, Jeanette. Great description of the hope and anticipation that we have concerning His coming.

  4. January 22, 2009 #

    Thanks for your comments. What a day that will be! Try as I might, my imagination is just not up to the job, and I know I have no idea of exactly how wonderful it will be!

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