THE UNEXPECTED GUEST: Part 1 of 4

This series, the Unexpected Guest shows us how Jesus comes in ways that we could never have predicted. As much as we may believe that the way it is, is just the way it is, Jesus shows us otherwise. While we keep on believing that things will get worse, or even while we keep on believing that things will get better, our predictions are definitely not guaranteed.

The combined wisdom of the smartest people around, or all of the information in all of all the computers, do not give us certainty. Try as we might, our knowledge of the future is limited and insufficient.

One of the most far-reaching questions you could ask is: where does it all end? What happens to our universes, and to every creature in it? Science attempts to give answers, but they can only take us so far. The really big question is, what’s the point of it all?

The Bible proclaims that, “that in the dispensation of the fullness of the times He might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven and which are on earth—in Him.” (Ephesians 1:10) And Jesus Himself says that, “For you do not know on which day your Lord will come.” Because He is Lord of all times and places, He can decide when that day will be.

Jesus compares His return to the suddenness of the flood coming. All those who had not listened to Noah’s warning were caught unawares. In the middle of ordinary life, working at our usual routine, suddenly He will gather us up. Jesus even uses the image of a thief coming when everyone is asleep to break in and steal.

So, Jesus warns us, “Stay awake!” This means that we need to prepare for whatever may come by continuing to do God’s will. How can we possibly prepare? We can turn our hearts and minds to God’s priorities, not our own. We can give our lives to a continuing following of Jesus.

How do you feel when you think of the end of the world? This would seem to be a shocking event. But when we live as Jesus calls us to, we are ready.

Jesus is truly Lord. He comes when He chooses, and the whole world will end when He returns. The unexpected guest is Jesus. And He will gather together all things in Himself. His final triumph will come when the whole universe and each one of us are restored and renewed.