Titus 2:13
Everyone must welcome with open arms the outrageously blessed expectation; Jesus is what the world was waiting for! He radiates the brilliant intent of God, engineered by his greatness to rescue the world in him. (Mirror Bible)

Do you have anticipation of Christ’s return?

The early church faced much persecution, and life for a Christian under Roman rule was difficult. The Romans looked upon Christians as traitors, persecuted them, and put them to death. Even though they lived under those adverse conditions, the hope of the coming of the Lord lifted the believers’ morale. “Maranatha!” became the common greeting of the oppressed believers, replacing the Jewish greeting shalom. You are not being persecuted like they were then, but you should always look in anticipation and excitement for the return of Jesus.

Titus 2:13 Watch for His return; expect the blessed hope we all will share when our great God and Savior, Jesus the Anointed, appears again. (The Voice)

The return of Jesus, so you can live with Him in heaven, is the foundation of your hope. But until that time, while you are still on earth, you show the world who Jesus is through the life you live.

Colossians 1:27 Living within you is the Christ who floods you with the expectation of glory! This mystery of Christ, embedded within us, becomes a heavenly treasure chest of hope filled with the riches of glory for his people, and God wants everyone to know it! (The Passion Translation)

Your life should bring others the hope of glory. You should stop to think about Jesus’ return from time to time.

1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: 17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. (KJV)

If you don’t, the importance of it, the amazing manifestation, and all of its majesty, won’t seem real and you will lose hope.

Please agree with me as I pray:
Father, I thank You for reminding me I should look with anticipation for Jesus’ return. I should think about it from time to time, so it doesn’t seem like something that is not real to me and so it continues to enrich, inspire and excite me. It is my heart’s desire, Heavenly Father, to live a life that celebrates my hope. I pray the eyes of my understanding would continue to be enlightened and my relationship with You would cause me to be transformed into Your image more and more every day. Please help me in these last days, to be always ready, ever vigilant, counted worthy, and always watching for the glorious return of my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, in Whose Name I pray. Thank You for Your wonderful grace and keeping power, Abba-Father…