How do you prepare for when the Lord of all creation, the King of the Universe’s, returns to earth? The Bible tells us that Jesus Christ comes in His transformed, glorious form, has a face that shines like the sun, and His clothes are as white as the light! When on earth the first time He came in our earthly likeness to show how He could relate to our everyday life, and so appeared like us. When He returns Jesus comes as the glorious One, and as a Bridegroom seeking His spotless, pure, Bride…that is us, the faithful remnant. The purity only possible through Him, by the washing of His blood, and the word of God.
So, it seems we prepare as a bride, one who devotes herself to the task, separating ourselves from the rest, readying to be in His likeness. Becoming the one who can easily sit at His table in heaven, at His right hand, yet also abiding on earth. Being the bright light that shines in the darkness. This is holiness. How, by walking in His ways, and in His likeness, devoting ourselves to Him, our first love, and separating ourselves from the influences of the world. Feeding not on the world’s goods, but on His words, and drinking from His well, the Holy Spirit. Seeking first His kingdom, not those of this world. Humbly living a repentant life, covered in His blood, but strong in our identity in Him.
Sounds very figurative, and yet so real. For those who do devote themselves to the ways of Christ, and die to their nature’s desires, shine brightly in a darkening world. Impossible to do in of ourselves, and so we are given the Holy Spirit to empower us for this maturing journey. Our challenge to yield our will to His to allow this to occur!
And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men!” (Luke 2:13,14)
O Corinthians! We have spoken openly to you, our heart is wide open. You are not restricted by us, but you are restricted by your own affections. Now in return for the same (I speak as to children), you also be open. Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness? And what accord has Christ with Belial? Or what part has a believer with an unbeliever? And what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For you are the temple of the living God. As God has said: “I will dwell in them and walk among them. I will be their God, and they shall be My people.” Therefore “Come out from among them and be separate, says the Lord. Do not touch what is unclean, and I will receive you.” “I will be a Father to you, and you shall be My sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty.” Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God. (2 Corinthians 6:11-7:1)
Now Enoch, the seventh from Adam, prophesied about these men also, saying, “Behold, the Lord comes with ten thousands of His saints, to execute judgment on all, to convict all who are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have committed in an ungodly way, and of all the harsh things which ungodly sinners have spoken against Him.”…… But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. And on some have compassion, making a distinction; but others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire, hating even the garment defiled by the flesh. (Jude 14-15,20-23)
Kingdom Blog 