CLOSER!

Every single time. Every single time! I can’t remember any—any!—conversation that I’ve had with Don when he didn’t bring up the topic. Not one. He would always make mention of it. With a fulsome grin and in his resonant voice, beard going everywhere, eyes bright with anticipation, Don would remind me (and everyone else he spoke to): This could be the day! One day closer!

Don was a part of the church where I was preaching during a pastoral transition several years ago. Faithful member. Full of life, despite his many ailments and hospitalizations. Focused on one thing: Jesus is coming again! And it could be … today! One day closer!

For you yourselves know full well
that the day of the Lord will come
just like a thief in the night.
1 Thessalonians 5:2

One day closer!

It was like Don was living in this world, but eagerly expecting the next. A two-clock man, simultaneously in two time zones—Central and … Celestial.

Therefore if you have been
raised up with Christ,
keep seeking the things above,
where Christ is,
seated at the right hand of God.
Set your mind
on the things above,
not on the things
that are on earth.
When Christ, who is our life,
is revealed, then you also will be
revealed with Him in glory.
Colossians 3:1–2, 4

No more. Don is now a one-clock man. Celestial time zone—always daylight. Last week, he went to be with the Lord He loved so much. No more the sad notes of earth for him. No more the frailty of body. Finally, finally, he is in the presence of God, to be there forever. And for Don, there will be a special reward.

In the future
there is laid up for me
the crown of righteousness,
which the Lord, the righteous Judge,
will award to me on that day;
and not only to me,
but also to all who have
loved His appearing.
2 Timothy 4:8

Don did! A crown is reserved for him.

But we will miss that cheery smile, that radiant demeanor, and that signature greeting: One day closer!

And we need to be reminded of that more often. The imminence of Christ’s coming is a good incentive to live in a manner worthy of Him, whom we will see soon.

But the day of the Lord
will come like a thief ….
… what sort of people
ought you to be
in holy conduct and godliness,
looking for and hastening
the coming of the day of God ….
2 Peter 3:10–12

Patience in these painful days.

Therefore be patient, brethren,
until the coming of the Lord.
The farmer waits for the
precious produce of the soil,
being patient about it,
until it gets the early and late rains.
You too be patient;
strengthen your hearts,
for the coming of the Lord is near.
James 5:7–8

Endurance in these enervating times.

For you have need of endurance,
so that when you have
done the will of God,
you may receive what was promised.
For yet in a very little while,
He who is coming will come,
and will not delay.
Hebrews 10:36–37

Sobriety in a seductive world.

So then let us not sleep
as others do,
but let us be alert and sober.
1 Thessalonians 5:6

And sanctification.

Now may the God of peace Himself
sanctify you entirely;
and may your spirit and soul
and body be preserved complete,
without blame at the coming
of our Lord Jesus Christ.
1 Thessalonians 5:23

One day closer! Amen!