Most grandparents have an advantage over parents in one respect- we have long ago gotten over ourselves and we do the silliest things without batting an eye to get a giggle from our grands. Most parents, even the fun loving ones, hesitate to be thought undignified, especially when anyone’s watching. I remember my own daddy putting on quite a show for my daughter, who as an infant wore a mostly somber expression. To win her smile was a prize indeed, one that he most enthusiastically sought. We become students of our children for a season, learning to know their moods, expressions, likes and dislikes better than anyone else. Between visits, my family relied on me to keep them informed. The stories I shared helped them to know what to expect and they made the most of every minute when we were finally together.
Jesus’s life and ministry, the stories He told and the way He represented His Father in the earth, does much the same for us today. John refers to Jesus as the Word who became flesh and dwelt among us. (John 1:1-2, 14) The One who comes from the Father, who has seen the Father and bears witness to Him, came to reveal God and His Kingdom to man. (John 6:46) The parables with which He taught and the Old Testament prophecies He fulfilled point to a future day when the Son will reign over all the earth. We are informed by the Word and empowered by the Spirit as followers of Christ to prepare the way for His arrival.
“He may come in the middle of the night or just before dawn.
But whenever he comes, he will reward the servants who are ready.”
Luke 12:38 NLT
https://bible.com/bible/116/luk.12.38.NLT
I’m not the best at giving verbal directions since I drive mainly by landmarks. Even when using gps, I zoom in on the route and search for recognizable signposts along the way. God gives us His Spirit and His Word to enable us to be those recognizable places in the lives of those seeking Him. Our obedience to God- to the promptings of His Spirit and the instructions in His Word- is of utmost importance. He takes us by the hand and guides us in the Way. If we fight against Him or pull away like a toddler, we affect more than our own faith walk. My life creates ripples felt far and wide, beyond what I can see.
“So the Lord must wait for you to come to him so he can show you his love and compassion.
For the Lord is a faithful God.
Blessed are those who wait for his help.
O people of Zion, who live in Jerusalem, you will weep no more.
He will be gracious if you ask for help.
He will surely respond to the sound of your cries.
Though the Lord gave you adversity for food and suffering for drink, he will still be with you to teach you.
You will see your teacher with your own eyes.
Your own ears will hear him.
Right behind you a voice will say, “This is the way you should go,” whether to the right or to the left.”
Isaiah 30:18-21 NLT
https://bible.com/bible/116/isa.30.18-21.NLT
“You will hear your Teacher’s voice behind you.
You will hear it whether you turn to the right or the left.
It will say, “Here is the path I want you to take. So walk on it.””
Isaiah 30:21 NIRV
https://bible.com/bible/110/isa.30.21.NIRV
“What would you like to be doing, saying, thinking, or planning when Jesus comes again?
What would you not like to be doing, saying, thinking, or planning when Jesus comes again?
Jesus tells you always to “keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come.” (MATTHEW 24:42)
““However, no one knows the day or hour when these things will happen, not even the angels in heaven or the Son himself.
Only the Father knows.
And since you don’t know when that time will come, be on guard!
Stay alert!
The coming of the Son of Man can be illustrated by the story of a man going on a long trip.
When he left home, he gave each of his slaves instructions about the work they were to do, and he told the gatekeeper to watch for his return.
You, too, must keep watch!
For you don’t know when the master of the household will return—in the evening, at midnight, before dawn, or at daybreak.
Don’t let him find you sleeping when he arrives without warning.
I say to you what I say to everyone: Watch for him!””
Mark 13:32-37 NLT
https://bible.com/bible/116/mrk.13.32-37.NLT
Ours is not simply a waiting game. We are to be like Jesus in the world. We represent Him in the same way He represented the Father. We are a city on a hill. He has not left us to figure out this life of faith on our own, nor has He failed to provide for a single need. He has given everything we need for living a life of godliness. (II Peter 1:3) Our lives are the stories of faith God continues to tell. Never lose sight of the significance of your light.
“Put on your new nature, and be renewed as you learn to know your Creator and become like him.
In this new life, it doesn’t matter if you are a Jew or a Gentile, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbaric, uncivilized, slave, or free.
Christ is all that matters, and he lives in all of us.
Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.
Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you.
Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.
Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony.
And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts.
For as members of one body you are called to live in peace.
And always be thankful.
Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives.
Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives.
Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts.
And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father.”
Colossians 3:10-17 NLT
https://bible.com/bible/116/col.3.10-14.NLT
“O God, you are my God; I earnestly search for you.
My soul thirsts for you; my whole body longs for you in this parched and weary land where there is no water.
I have seen you in your sanctuary and gazed upon your power and glory.
Your unfailing love is better than life itself; how I praise you!
I will praise you as long as I live, lifting up my hands to you in prayer.
You satisfy me more than the richest feast.
I will praise you with songs of joy.
I lie awake thinking of you, meditating on you through the night.
Because you are my helper, I sing for joy in the shadow of your wings.
I cling to you; your strong right hand holds me securely.”
Psalms 63:1-8 NLT
https://bible.com/bible/116/psa.63.1-8.NLT
“Oh, that you would burst from the heavens and come down!
How the mountains would quake in your presence!
As fire causes wood to burn and water to boil, your coming would make the nations tremble.
Then your enemies would learn the reason for your fame!
When you came down long ago, you did awesome deeds beyond our highest expectations.
And oh, how the mountains quaked!
For since the world began, no ear has heard and no eye has seen a God like you, who works for those who wait for him!”
Isaiah 64:1-4 NLT
A Fitting Reply 