As a kid we played many games; Kick the Can – Red Rover – Tag. But “Hide and Seek” was our favorite. Whoever was “IT” would close their eyes and count to 100 then shout, “Here I Come Ready or Not!” I thought, “Wonder if the Lord is now counting and will soon shout, “Here I Come Ready or Not!” Could He come today? Be careful how you answer. Why? “Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh” (Matt. 24:44).
In the Bible many were weeping because of the death of a loved one. At this time Paul reveals the coming of the Lord. “But I would not have you to be ignorant (he gives them knowledge)brethren, concerning them (new revelation) which are asleep (dead), that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him… For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout…and the dead in Christ shall rise first: 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. Wherefore comfort one another with these words” (1 Thess. 4:13-18). He promised He would return, and He cannot lie (Acts 1:11; Titus 1:2). He is coming. “Are you ready? As Paul looked for His return, he was always ready: Ready to face persecution (Acts 21:13); Ready to preach the Gospel (Rom. 1:15): Ready to minister (2 Cor. 12:14) Ready to die. “I am now ready to be offered (die), and the time of my departure is at hand” (2 Tim. 4:6). Paul said, “I am ready.” Are you ready?
In March 1981, Carl McCunn, a photographer, paid a bush pilot to land him at a remote lake in Fairbanks, Alaska to photograph wildlife. He had 500 rolls of film, 1,400 pounds of provisions, two rifles, and a shotgun. It seems he planned for everything but his return flight. In August, he realized the expected plane was not coming. By November, he wrote of dizzy spells and constant chills. On December 18, 1981 as he committed suicide, he wrote in his 100-page diary, “I think I should have used more foresight about arranging my departure.” (Wikipedia).
Dear friend, as you face your inescapable appointment with God (Heb. 9:27), should you also give more foresight about arranging for your final departure? Are YOU ready? John said, “Even so come, Lord Jesus” – come quickly! (Rev.22:20). The Lord could now be counting, and soon shout, “Here I come ready or not!” Are YOU ready?
“I am not looking for signs – I am looking for the Son”
