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From
the January, 2001 edition of The Doulos monthly
newsletter
by
Jim Petelin
In
Search of Preparation Evidence
One
of our favorite family activities during the Christmas season is to drive
around the neighborhoods admiring the Christmas decorations and extravagant
light displays. It is heartwarming to observe the wide-eyed wonder of our
children and hear their delightful screams as we pass by each home. Each of us
seeks to find a house more beautiful than the previous. I marvel that almost
every home is decorated in some way for Christmas.
When
I see so much evidence of preparation, I begin to think…Why do so many people
spend valuable time and resources preparing for one day? For most, the day
comes and goes, the celebration ends, and then more preparation begins for the
next event. If I were an Existentialist, I’d scream, “A-B-S-U-R-D!” As a
follower of Jesus Christ, I confess that I am tempted to think similar
thoughts, BUT…
Instead
of reflecting on this annual ritual of preparation, I am convicted to think
about my readiness on a daily basis – not just once a year. Am I prepared to
face Jesus Christ? Would I even know Him if I met Him in the next hour? Do I
know Jesus or do I just think I know Him? Am I properly preparing for His
arrival? What does God say about how I should prepare?
Be
always on the watch, and pray that you may be able to escape all that is about
to happen, and that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man.
Luke
21:36
Therefore,
prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled, set your hope fully on the
grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed.
1
Peter 1:13
But
in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer
to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have…
1
Peter 3:15
…be
prepared in season and out of season…
2
Timothy 4:2
So
then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be alert and
self-controlled.”
1
Thessalonians 5:6
Through
a song, Wayne Watson encourages us to prepare this way:
One
day Jesus will call my name
As
days go by, I hope I don’t stay the same.
I
want to get so close to Him, that there is no big change
On
that day that Jesus, calls my name.
Sometimes
the frantic pace of this life causes us to forget what preparation activities
are most important. However, there are so many things that can serve as
reminders for us to keep the proper “preparation perspective”…. Use the
Christmas and New Year festivities as a reminder to put more effort into your
relationship with Jesus…. Use every Saturday as a reminder to prepare your
heart for worship on Sunday morning… Use every shower as a reminder of the
cleansing power of Jesus Christ and how important it is to be ready “to give
an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you
have.”
Preparation
is the key to making anything successful – especially a relationship. There
is no greater relationship than the one between you and the Lord of the
universe, Jesus Christ. I encourage you to prepare and work on this
relationship. Take advantage of the abundance of preparation evidence around
you as a reminder to prepare. Perpetual preparation is a command from above.
In
Him,
Jim
Petelin
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