Live expectantly today. This does not mean putting on a robe and sitting atop a mountain. But it does mean living in light of Christ’s return, realizing that our works will be judged and that our opportunities for service on earth will end. It means to live “with eternity’s values in view.”

There is a difference between being ready to go to heaven and being ready to meet the Lord. Anyone who has sincerely trusted Christ for salvation is ready to go to heaven. Christ’s sacrifice on the cross has taken care of that. But to be ready to meet the Lord
at the Judgment Seat of Christ is quite another matter. Scripture indicates that some believers will not be happy to see Jesus Christ!

Having been a pastor for many years, I have had the sad experience of seeing believers deliberately disobey the Word of God. I recall one young woman who stubbornly chose to marry an unsaved man. When I tried to help her from the Bible, she said, “I don’t care what you say. I don’t care what the Bible says. I’m going to get married!” Will she be happy at the Judgment Seat of Christ?

Verse for today: “And now, little children, abide in Him; that, when He shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before Him at His coming (1 John 2:28).

For further study: Review the last few verses of each chapter of 2 Thessalonians and note the practical results of living expectantly.

Action assignment: Ask the Lord to help you examine your heart in relation to the verses mentioned under “for further study.”