I still remember from when I worked in the factory how frantic it was at the end of the year. Everyone wanted to finish the work before the holidays so they could move into their new home. 

What usually took a month then had to be done within a week. Everybody became really irritated and their fuses were short. We had to work day and night to get all the orders out. 

Then the hope of the long-awaited holiday pulled you through another night with very little sleep. You could already see yourself sitting on your beach chair baking in the sun. You could hear the noise of the waves. Yes, that picture kept you going. 

The problem is that this kind of motivation and energy pulling you through the hard times is only temporary and sporadic. By the end of the holiday, the energy is done and won’t be showing up at your front door until twelve months from now. 

However, as children of the Lord we have hope that never stops or comes only sporadically. Jesus gave us hope on the cross. We can fill our tanks with this hope at any time. It will never run out. 

Jesus already brought us hope at Calvary, but it didn’t stop there. Our hope continues to live on because we know Jesus will return to earth one day. When that will be, we don’t know. 

That Jesus will come is a fact. That’s why we can always look forward to His coming. When He comes, He will pick us up and take us to a much better place, a place so much better than where we are now. 

12Daily expect the Day of God, eager for its arrival.   

When we keep Jesus’ coming in sight, we can push through difficult times. We know that the hardships on earth are only temporary. We know that it makes us stronger. The anticipation of looking Jesus in the eyes gives us fuel to keep going. 

Yet, here is also a command: That we will live in such a way that the date when Jesus will come again will be sooner rather than later. 

You see, Jesus and God want as many people as possible in heaven. That is why they first postpone His coming because just now there is a back runner that must also reach the finish line. They will wait for that one. 

It is our task to live in such a way that the back runners will also reach the end. Our way of living can tell the world about the Light that has arrived and dispelled the darkness in the world. 

We must live in such a way that others can see Jesus’ act of salvation on the cross and ask for it too. We must live in such a way that others will also find hope and put their hope in Jesus and His coming rather than in temporary and sporadic hope. May we, together with all those we meet throughout the day, excitedly wait and hope for Jesus’ coming. 

Scripture
2 Peter 3:8-13 

Reflection
Are you looking forward to Jesus’ coming?
Are others looking forward to Jesus’ coming, because you are looking forward to it?
How should you live so that others can also hope for Jesus’ coming?  

Prayer
Jesus, I look forward to Your coming. I can’t wait. Help me to mobilize others to look forward to Your coming too. Amen.