Monday, November 12, 2007
Malachi 4:1 For behold, the day is coming . . .
THE DAY IS COMING
"How many days 'til my birthday?" asks the child.
The wife quizzes her husband, "Honey, what day is our anniversary?"
"How many weeks before Christmas?" many are already wondering.
We can look at the calendar and point to the exact date when events like these are scheduled to take place. Not so with some days, however. The people of Johnstown, PA did not have May 31, 1889 written in their day planners as they day their town would be swept away by a terrible flood. Nor did the people of San Francisco have April 18, 1906 pre-designated as "Earthquake Day."
Sadly, countless millions will be caught by surprise when Christ returns to judge the living and the dead. However, there is a huge difference between something like an unexpected earthquake and the Judgment Day. The San Francisco earthquake and other such calamities come with no real warning. In contrast, the people of the world have been clearly warned of God's coming day of judgment. God in His wisdom has not given an exact time as to when to expect the Last Day. Yet in His love He has given sufficient warning in His Word that the Day is surely coming. He has given due notice because God is love. God sincerely wants all to know and believe the truth about His Son before it's too late.
The fact that we don't know exactly when to expect the Lord's return means that now is the day of salvation. Right now is the time to make honest confession of sin, and look alone to the crucified and risen Christ for forgiveness and deliverance. God's people need to make it clear to their friends and neighbors that tomorrow may be too late.
In soberness of faith, let us learn to mark every calendar day as though it could very well be our last in this world. We have double reason to do so. For today could be Judgment Day or the day we die. Above all, let us turn in joyful faith to the Savior Who proclaimed from His cross, "It is finished!" Our sin debt has been paid in full by our wonderful Redeemer! In that certain confidence we await His coming return!
