Coming into the month of September, my thoughts often turn to back-to-school time when I was growing up. I eagerly anticipated the new school year, and that reminds me of how Christians should eagerly anticipate the coming of Christ.

Jesus told us that He was going away to prepare a place for us and will come back to get us (John 14:3).  This means we have His promise to hold onto and His return to look forward to – much like the eager expectation of a child going into a new school year.  Unlike that child, once we get there we will never regret it or start to dread it – that expectation will be fulfilled in a way that far surpasses our hopes and dreams!  Like that child, we also need to prepare as we wait.  How can we prepare for the return of Jesus?  I’ll briefly touch on 3 ways.

1.⁠ ⁠Live Missionally

Jesus gave us a mission – His mission. In Matthew 28:19-20 He commands us to “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”  When we live in obedience to this commission, we live in a way that is prepared for Jesus to return.

2. Live in Forgiveness

This is something that is two-fold.  We need to keep a short record – forgiving and seeking forgiveness quickly after an offense is committed.  When we sin against God, we must repent and seek His forgiveness quickly.  This is part of preparing for Jesus’ arrival; it makes our hearts and lives pleasing to Him.

We also need to live in forgiveness towards others – Matthew 6:15 warns us: “15 “But if you do not forgive others, then your Father will not forgive your transgressions.” Forgiving others is not an option for those who have been forgiven by God.  We cannot deny others that which we have been freely given.

3.⁠ ⁠Live in Relationship

Third, we need to live in relationship.  This has a vertical (with God) aspect and a horizontal (with people) aspect. In Matthew 22:37–40 Jesus teaches about the greatest commandment.  He commands us to love God and to love people.

If we are constantly seeking to love and follow Jesus better, we are constantly preparing for His return.  If we seek to love those around us, then we will also be living in mission and living in forgiveness.  From love for God and those around us will flow obedience to all the rest of Scripture.  What better way to love God than to live in obedience to Him and in a way that is pleasing to Him?  And what better way to love our neighbour than by telling them about Jesus and living out our faith?

As we await the return of Jesus, we can wait with eager expectation and excitement.  As we wait let us not get tired of waiting and fall into complacency, rather, let us seek to live fruitful and faithful lives so we are ready when He comes.

Blessings, Katie