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Apr 25, 2023 18:30pm

Jesus is Coming Soon

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9 students sat around the table. The doughnuts were gone, the chocolate milk was almost empty and sugar fueled their little bodies, minds, and mouths. When I walked through the door, they were talking non-stop, trying to shout over one another. Two sisters bickered with one another while another young lady cheered it on.

Immediately, I took control of the room, sat them down and began to review the rules for our classroom and what was expected of each of them.

We began working on our project. The students began cutting as I taught through our lesson. One young man came in a little late and since I was all out of copies, I grabbed mine and knew I needed to head to the office. But with as far away as the copier was, I could not leave these children. I mean, they are 12-15 year olds, could they be trusted?

I devised a plan.

I called out one young man and said you are my room reporter. Record anyone that is not quiet or not doing as I have instructed. Everyone that behaves while I’m gone and does as I’ve said, they will be rewarded. Anyone who doesn’t, will have to leave this class and go sit with an adult until their parent gets here.

I walked out the door, and stopped just down the hallway to listen.

Quiet.

I walked a little further, listened again, and the only noise I could hear was paper rustling as they cut. I wouldn’t be gone long, and I had to trust them that they would obey.

When I arrived at the office, the large copy machine was turned off.

Sigh.

Do you know how long it takes to warm this thing up?

I hit the power and debated going back to the room. But, I reminded myself, I instructed them, they know what’s expected.

The lights came on and it was finally ready. I placed the paper in the tray, it fed through and thankfully, there was no paper-jam.

I hurried back down the hall, through the 3 large rooms and down another hall, and as I approached the open door to my room, I listened.

I didn’t give them a timeframe of how long I would be gone. I had only said I’ll be back soon. If they had known a time, they might have acted differently.

I listened intently.

Not a peep.

I opened the door and they were all doing exactly as I had instructed!

Was I surprised? Well, to be honest, yes! Even the young lady who has a difficult time being still and quiet was diligently working.

I looked to my room reporter and asked for his assessment. He said, “Everyone was good”.

My heart was pleased! I grabbed my candy bag and rewarded them. I congratulated them for doing well!

“But of that day and that hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels which are in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father. Take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is. For the Son of man is as a man taking a far journey, who left his house, and gave authority to his servants, and to every man his work, and commanded the porter to watch. Watch ye therefore: for ye know not when the master of the house cometh, at even, or at midnight, or at the cockcrowing, or in the morning: Lest coming suddenly he find you sleeping. And what I say unto you I say unto all, Watch.” (Mark 13:32-37)

Jesus was leaving soon. He had shared this with His disciples many times. They wanted to know when He would return, but as He explained to them, the time wasn’t for them to know. That wasn’t the important part. This entire chapter wasn’t just a chance for Jesus to talk about the future, it was an opportunity for Him to instruct these men on what they were to do while they waited for His return.

Would they be diligently working? Would they share the gospel, no matter what threats and harm might come to them? Would they endure through ridicule, torture and even death if it came to that? Would they be faithful? Would they follow all that He had taught them because they loved Him and wanted to obey?

Will we?

These weren’t just questions for the disciples, but for all followers of Christ.

Jesus rose from the grave, conquering sin and death. He ascended to heaven with God and the time is drawing near for His return. We do not know the hour, He only said it would be soon. But will He find us doing as He instructed? What will His assessment be of us?

Jesus is coming soon, my friends. Let us be found as a good and faithful servant that has loved others, shared the gospel at all cost, and served Him with gladness!