Written By: Clarissa Mangaran
I’m sitting at my desk mapping out this coming school year for my children, and it seems this season of preparation goes well beyond the curriculum in front of me…we’re being prepared for the main event since Jesus died and resurrected:
We’re preparing for the second coming of Christ!
Yes, I’m planning unit studies, math, history, art projects, etc. I’m figuring out what our days will look like for the next month, and the months following. I am looking into what books to read with my children, and what books they’ll read independently with much delight. We love reading in this household! I’m compiling a list of supplies we’ll need for the art projects we’ll be doing out in the yard. Oh, we’re so excited! And with that said, I’m very mindful of the promise that lies ahead. While I can joyfully plan the next school year, I know that what I really need to prepare for is being ready for the King to return.
“However, no one knows the day or hour when these things will happen, not even the angel 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 and pray! 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)
I want to be like that faithful servant. I want to be found doing Kingdom works. The specific assignment for you is going to be different from mine. My assignment is at home with my children and my husband most days. I have a relatively small circle of influence, so that’s what I’ll focus on. I will encourage those around me to look to the Lord for all things. I will surrender more and more of myself to the Lord, so He can transform my heart, my mind, and my soul to be more like His. I will train my children to do the same, and leave the rest up to God…their Heavenly Father and Creator. I will steward well over the things of God that He has lent to me for a time…as best I can with His guidance. When Christ returns, I hope to be found obeying God’s will. The Word lays it out for us (that’s the kind of loving Father we have!).
“For it is my Father’s will that all who see his Son and believe in him should have eternal life. I will raise them up at the last day.” (John 6:40)
“God’s will is for you to be holy, so stay away from all sexual sin. Then each of you will control his own body and live in holiness and honor – not in lustful passion like the pagans who do not know God and his ways.” (1 Thessalonians 4:3-5)
“Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)
“It is God’s will that your honorable lives should silence those ignorant people who make foolish accusations against you. For you are free, yet you are God’s slaves, so don’t use your freedom as an excuse to do evil. Respect everyone, and love the family of believers. Fear God, and respect the king.” (1 Peter 2:15-17)
Believe in Jesus, abstain from sexual sin, be thankful in all circumstances, and submit to Godly authority and do good is the will of God for all of us Christ-followers.
As far as the specific callings on each of our lives, Proverbs 16:9 says, “We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps.” God has intricately orchestrated the people in our lives, the place we’re living, and when, the job you have (whether in the house or out), etc. All of it is preparation for heaven. Our time here on earth is so short in the grand scheme of eternity. So it is so important to have an eternal perspective on our earthly circumstances and responsibilities. God promises that when we seek Him for godly wisdom on preparing for the return of Jesus, He will give it to us…and in abundance! [James 1:5]
Written By: Clarissa Mangaran
