This is the second in a series on the Imminence of Christ's return.

TEACHER AT THE DOOR

by Scott Lundy

    Some years ago I served as a substitute teacher at Wood River High School and Middle School.  I was NOT the one the students hoped to get!  But they discovered that we could have quite an enjoyable time - if they understood that I was in charge and wouldn’t put up with any nonsense.  Substituting was a breeze once the students showed proper respect for the classroom authority (which in that case was me).

    If I had to leave the classroom for some reason, I could have confidence that the teens wouldn’t go on a rampage in my absence, because they always knew that I was returning soon, and so they acted accordingly.  This was particularly true if I was just outside the door; hearing everything and able to re-enter the room literally at a moment’s notice.  If students hold a proper esteem for their instructor and his constant proximity, their behavior - even in his absence - is directly affected as a result.

    So it should also be for those of us who acknowledge Jesus as The Master.  To be sure, once we understand even a tiny sliver of Who He is and the love He has shown us, it should radically impact our lives.  This is particularly true when we consider that the Holy Spirit lives within those who have trusted in Christ as their Savior.  Still, there is no denying that an understanding of Christ’s certain return gives us a sense of urgency in how we behave in our everyday lives.  The Master is at the door and may directly re-enter our world at any moment!

    “Be patient, then, brothers, until the Lord’s coming.  See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop and how patient he is for the autumn and spring rains.  You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near.  Don’t grumble against each other, brothers, or you will be judged.  The Judge is standing at the door!”  (James 5:7-9)

    In this passage from James the reality of Jesus’ return is the hope, reason and motivation for patient endurance in the midst of suffering (they were being oppressing by the rich, see James 5:1-6), as well as being patient with fellow-believers - and so not grumbling against them.  Note again the prominence of Christ’s return in these verses: “...until the Lord’s coming...because the Lord’s coming is near...The Judge is standing at the door!”

    The fact of His return is the light at the end of the tunnel; the reminder that things won’t always be as they are now.  God hasn’t forgotten His people, even if it feels like it at the moment.  He is coming back to set all things right.  This gives hope to undergo the injustices and pain of life, because it is all temporary.  REAL life is still up ahead!

    Christ’s imminent return also helps prevent us from becoming too preoccupied with the “here and now.”  Life in this world always tends to skew our priorities: we get so caught-up in providing physically for ourselves and our loved ones; furthering our agendas; isolating ourselves and our goods; using every spare second - if there are any - in recreational activities (which usually further consume our lives and resources to maintain).  The reality of Jesus being at the door can act on these “priorities” like a hand grenade - scattering them as we refocus on what is truly important: loving Jesus and loving people.

    And then there is the issue of healthy respect for our Savior and God.  He is standing at the door!  That knowledge should help jar us out of our selfish little fits.  We have a responsibility to behave as children of the Living God, and we need to realize that He hears and sees it all.  Are we rampaging around the classroom as if there were no Teacher coming back soon? 

    I hope to meet you back here next week.  Vaya con Dios.

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