Where is YOUR Focus?

Where is YOUR Focus? What do you find yourself thinking about most? I remember when I was younger often thinking, “man, if Jesus comes back, I won’t get to do __________!” I filled that blank with many different things and if I’m honest, I even have those thoughts today. I’d love to see my kids grow up, get married, and have kids of their own. For you, maybe it’s, I want to accomplish this or maybe even get married before He comes. I think those desires are normal, but our focus may be somewhat misguided. Below is a devotion that I recently read which I’d like to share in its entirety with you.

Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 1 Peter 1:13

What is your greatest hope? Your deepest longing? Is it for Christ to return? Be honest. That’s not always at the top of your list. The reason you are not eagerly waiting for Jesus is because you either misunderstand his second coming and/or love the world more than your King and his kingdom.

The return of Jesus is the finale of our salvation. It is the climax of our redemption. For when He returns we are raised and made like Jesus in perfected humanity, and sin and death are finally vanquished and cast away forever. Those who long to be entirely free from sin, evil, oppression, injustice and want to experience the fullness of God and his creation without such hindrances, long for Christ’s return. Those who hate sin and love righteousness wait with eagerness for the second coming. You misunderstand it if you think of it as an interruption to your plans.

Setting your hope fully on the grace to be experienced at the return of Jesus is not to deny the legitimacy of your desire for marriage, children or grandchildren. There are many good things in life that you desire, and yet the return of Jesus can feel like an interruption to these things. After all, what should you desire more, for Christ to return now or for your friend to believe the gospel, first? I think it is fair to say you should want your friend to trust Christ before the second coming or death. But to say that Jesus’ return is our greatest hope means that his manifested glory and the end of sin is our greatest need.

In this life, as you work for the glory of Jesus and the good of others, you should do so with an eye to his return. It will lead to earnestness and create an urgency in your life to make the most of all your days.

So, what do you think? Where is YOUR focus?

Michael B

Lead Worshipper

*Devotion from Note to Self: The Discipline of Preaching to Yourself

By: Joe Thorn