Beware, The Teacher Is Coming Back! When Jesus Returns

Day 10 of 12 Reasons to Rejoice: Advent Devotions

Remember our classroom analogy from Day 9 and the naughty child who saw the teacher’s absence as an opportunity for play? Consider these verses a warning:  

But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything done in it will be laid bare… Therefore, dear friends, since you have been forewarned, be on your guard so that you may not be carried away by the error of the lawless and fall from your secure position. But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen.

2 Peter 3:10, 17-18

We don’t know when Jesus will step back into the “classroom.” But we can be ready by making certain we do not fall under the influence of the “naughty child”—Satan.

Beware the Naughty Child

In what ways might we fall under the influence of the “naughty child”?

1) By doing too much.

Sometimes we take too many liberties with our Christian freedom. Think of that sin you continue to indulge because you know God will forgive you. Or by falling under the world’s warped view of right and wrong.

When we allow ourselves to be swayed instead of remaining loyal to God’s commands and promises, we give power to Satan. And when Jesus returns, Satan’s power will be destroyed, but the damage will already have been done.

2) By doing too little.

Lots of work is yet to be finished on earth. There are souls who have never heard the name Jesus, family members who have strayed from the Christian faith, and friends who haven’t made up their minds as to what they believe about God.

This is not the time to sit on our thumbs and stare at our belly buttons. The harvest is ready, the workers are few, and the Teacher will return any minute. And when he does, it will be too late for anyone who hasn’t yet put his faith in Jesus.

Go out and get them! Be alert, industrious, and ready for when Jesus returns. But rejoice, because the Teacher will come soon! 

For Further Reading

Read the full passage from which the above verses were selected in 2 Peter 3:1-18. Find more on keeping watch for when Jesus returns in Matthew 24:36-51, Hebrews 13:20-21, and James 1:2-18.

And embolden your faith with these posts:

• Sequins or Diamonds? When Sin Looks Attractive
• Stand Up to Temptation With the Word of God
• No Fear: The Danger of Sin In Your Heart

Next Up:

Resurrection Hope: Because He Rose, You Will Rise Too!