“But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself.” – Philippians 3:20-21
No doubt many of you know exactly how many days there are left until Christmas. As excited as some of you readers may be for that day, today’s devotion is asking you to examine yourself with this question: “Are you equally, less, or more excited for the return of Jesus?”
When my middle son was young, he’d get so excited for the company that would visit us during the Christmas break. In fact, he’d stand outside, in the cold, for as long as an hour, waiting for the company to arrive. He’d come into the house with them, having been the first to greet them…even though he’d been shivering for quite a while.
Jesus will return. The images in the passage are of people who are so intent on watching and waiting for Jesus’ return, that no thief in the night could possibly catch them unawares. Because they are wide awake, so ready for Jesus, they’d catch a robber before he’d rob them. Did you notice the reference to the breastplate of faith, love and the helmet of hope? The breastplate covers the heart, lungs and vital organs. It covered the guts as well. In those days it was thought your emotions came from your intestines. You know the expression, “I feel it in my guts. Right?” Guarding your vital seat of emotion kept alive the hope and expectation of Jesus’ return.
On this day of all the week the best, Sunday, may you grow in joyful anticipation that Jesus will return. His arrival is closer than you think.
Suggestions for prayer
Ask the Spirit of God to renew in your heart and imagination the wonderful expectation of the return of Jesus; pray that during this season many of your friends, co-workers and family members who do not know Jesus will encounter Him and join you in anticipating His return.
For over six years already, Rev. Vander Vaart has served as the Atlantic Region Representative of Redemption Prison Ministry. He does so as a Minister of the Word and Sacrament in the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com
