Hearts Longing: For Hope

Are you ready? In exciting moments and nerve-racking ones, we are asked about our readiness. In the best of times, we respond with enthusiasm. But sometimes, we’re not really as ready as we’d hoped we’d be. In the season of Advent, God asks us this question. Are you ready for Christ’s return? In our reading from Romans 13, Paul implores Christians to wake up from the darkness of sin and walk as children of light. The hour of our salvation may be unknown, but it is nearer now than when we first believed. We are encouraged to put on the armor of light, a rich image that reminds us of our battle against darkness and God’s insight into how to best protect his people. In Matthew 24, Jesus urges us to keep watch for his return. The hour may be unknown, but we can be confident Jesus will return. He is always faithful. Isaiah gives us a glimpse of the eternal effect of Christ’s return. Nations will stream to their Savior. Implements for warfare will be permanently repurposed. The light of the Lord will shine upon all nations, and we will walk in his ways and bask in his glory forever.