Dear Disciple,
Your Master left His first disciples nearly two thousand years ago to return to His Father (and theirs) in Heaven. Before He left, He promised to return, and He told them what He wanted them to do while waiting for Him.
Those first disciples have long since died, and their spirits have joined their Master. They still await His return, but they await it with Him where He is. We, on the other hand, are awaiting our Master’s promised return as we live in this fallen and sin-scarred world. This means, Disciple, that our waiting must involve vigilance and diligence.
After leaving so long ago in physical presence, He was generous in sending His spiritual presence through the Holy Spirit. That presence is power and direction for those disciples who remain in this world. That presence is powerful evidence that the Master intends for His work to continue on while He is physically away. This is why He said it will be good for those servants whom the Master finds doing their assigned work when He returns (Matthew 24:46). He assures us that those who prove faithful in their present work will be entrusted with their Master’s greater possessions (v. 47).
Do you long for your Master’s appearing, Disciple? Do you lift your eyes to the skies and imagine what it will be like when He descends in His Father’s glory with His angels (Matthew 16:27)? Are you filled with courage and hope when you remember that His appearing means the final end of sin, Satan, and even Death itself? Oh, it is a breathtaking promise we have! In so many ways we are living for that day, passionately yearning to hear Him say, “Well done, good and faithful servant” (Matthew 25:21).
As good and right as it is that you desire the fulfillment of these promises and live in light of them, you cannot live with your eyes fixed on the skies. No, there is work to be done while we wait. There are eternal beings in bondage to sin, Satan, and Death who need to be invited into the freedom of the limitless goodness and life of God. As our brother Peter wrote: “our Lord’s patience [in delaying His coming] means salvation” (2 Peter 3:15). He tarries so that more can be saved, and He so greatly desires that!
Work alongside your Master today, Disciple, as you wait for His appearing. Invest the hours He gives you today in the immortal work of His Kingdom without end. Value what is lasting and of great worth in His sight, for He is coming soon and His reward is with Him (Revelation 22:12)!
Watching, waiting, and working with you,Ryan
