There are four Scripture Lessons assigned to the First Sunday in Advent. There is a Psalm, an Old Testament Lesson, one from the Gospel, and then a Lesson from the Epistles. The Epistle Lesson for the first Sunday in Advent comes from Romans 13:11-14. It begins with a warning, "...you know what time it is, how it is now the moment for you to wake from sleep. For salvation is nearer to us now than when we became believers..." (Romans 13:11). To read deeper into the lesson is to hear it calling us to put aside the works of darkness so that we might put on the Lord Jesus. Here is a reminder to us all that it is later than we think.
I have known some folks who were sure that they would not die, but that they would be here when Jesus comes again. The fact that they were wrong about when He was coming did not change the reality of their meeting Him in all His glory. Whether we live until He comes, or die due to His delay, the result is the same. This moment for us is always nearer than it was and in all likelihood sooner than we think. It is an interesting thing to spend some time reflecting on how we might live today if we knew that tomorrow was our last day on this earth with those we love.
It gives pause for wondering what we might do. Who thinks they would run to the bank to check on their balance of funds? Who would walk through the storehouse of their accumulations once more? Who would choose to make those hours moments for making right broken relationships? Who would spend time seeking and offering forgiveness? Who would draw those with whom we work close and who would draw close family? Who would find time for some serious praying? I remember one author who spoke of such a moment by saying that those who are living as the righteous would simply keep on living today as they had yesterday and would be tomorrow. Nothing would need to change. May it be so for each of us.
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