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By Dean Kelly

Jesus will return one day just like He left (Acts 1:11). In that hour all will come out of the graves, the good and the evil (John 5:28-29). Those who are alive will be caught up together with those who have been raised to meet Jesus in the air (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17).

When will He come again? No one knows. The Bible gives signs of the destruction of Jerusalem (Matthew 24:1-35) which would take place before that generation would end (Matthew 24:34). But there will be no signs of His second coming (Matthew 24:36-44). The point is He could return at any time, and we should all be ready.

But what if He comes this summer?

What if He came on a Sunday this summer when the church is assembling? Where would He find us? Would we be where we would want Him to find us?

What if Jesus came this summer and found us dressed as we are dressed, talking as we are talking, doing whatever we are doing with our summer? Would we look, sound, and act in such a way that we would be glad He has come, or would we be ashamed?

What if Jesus came this summer and found us in the spiritual condition we are in? Would we be ready to meet Him with joy and excitement? Or would we be afraid for Him to look into our spiritual heart?

Have we been motivated by faith that comes from His word to repent, or change our mind about sin? Have we confessed Him to be the Son of the Living God? Have we obeyed the death, burial, and resurrection in baptism (Romans 6:3-6) for the remission of sins (Acts 2:38), to have our sins washed away (Acts 22:16)?

If we have met Him at the cross, we will rejoice in His coming. We can say with John, “Even so, come, Lord Jesus!” (Revelation 22:20).

Dean Kelly is minister at Highland Home Church of Christ.