“For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now.” (Romans 8:22)
Every form of judgment God sends to this earth reminds us that history is moving toward a final and perfect reckoning when Christ will return in power and glory to judge the living and the dead.
The Lord Jesus, who once came in humility to bear the sins of His people, will come again in majesty to execute righteous judgment. Those who reject His mercy will stand before His throne, and no earthly refuge will shelter them from His presence. Every excuse will vanish, every secret will be exposed, and every mouth will be stopped before the Judge of all the earth.
People tend to become fascinated with the timing or circumstances of Christ’s return while neglecting the condition of their own souls. Yet the immediate and overriding concern is not when He will appear but whether we are prepared to meet Him when He comes.
The same Savior who will judge the world still now invites sinners to receive forgiveness through His atoning death and victorious resurrection. Those who flee to Him now are delivered from condemnation and clothed in His righteousness.
In truth, for all who believe the fire of divine wrath that justice demands has been satisfied by the blood of Christ. His righteousness has secured their acceptance with God, and His intercession continually preserves them. The coming day of the Lord will only reveal the glory of the salvation already purchased for them.
Still, we as believers must not become careless; even creation groan for His coming. The reality of coming judgment calls for holy living and faithful perseverance. Every passing day is an opportunity to seek the Lord more diligently, to put sin to death, and to store up treasure in heaven rather than on earth where our eternal inheritance cannot be consumed or stolen.[1]
May these warnings of coming judgment stir our compassion for those who yet remain outside of Christ. And may God move us to plead with them to be reconciled to Him while the door of mercy remains open, knowing that the flames of divine justice magnify the riches of His mercy, and the certainty of His return urges every believer to live each day ready for His appearance.
Contemplations:
- Examining My Readiness. I can become occupied with my daily responsibilities and forget that every day brings me closer to standing before Christ. I want my heart to remain prepared through repentance, faith, and obedience rather than being lulled into spiritual complacency.
- Feeling the Weight of Eternal Things. I don’t want the reality of everlasting judgment to ever become familiar or insignificant to me. I deserve condemnation apart from Christ, and only His mercy has rescued me from the punishment my sins require. Remembering this humbles me and increases my gratitude for so great a salvation.
- Praying for Those Who Remain Unprepared. Many go through life without considering eternity. They put their confidence in possessions, achievements, or empty religion instead of Christ. I want to remember them before the Lord in prayer, asking that He would awaken them before the day comes when repentance is no longer possible.
- Seeking Treasure That Cannot Burn. Everything I own in this world can disappear in a moment, but what Christ has secured for His people can never be lost. I want my investments to be measured by eternity rather than convenience. When I value heavenly inheritance above earthly security, I will experience a steadier hope and greater peace.
Prayer (Supplication):
Merciful Father, I know that Your judgments are true and Your holiness cannot overlook sin. Preserve me from treating eternal realities lightly or allowing the concerns of this passing world to dull my awareness of the day when Christ will appear in glory.
Help me live in continual readiness for Your coming. Keep me watchful against temptation, faithful in obedience, and steadfast in hope. When distractions grow and comforts compete for my affection, draw my eyes again to the Savior who has delivered me from the wrath to come.
Strengthen my faith so that I may rest confidently in the finished work of Christ alone. Let me never trust my own righteousness, my own efforts, or my own understanding, but continually flee to the cross where justice and mercy meet. Teach me to rejoice that my acceptance before You depends entirely on Him.
Fill me with compassion for those who remain outside of Your grace. Give me wisdom to speak the truth with love, courage to proclaim the gospel without fear, and patience to pray faithfully for those who don’t yet know You. May my life bear witness to the hope that is found only in Jesus Christ.
Help me value eternal riches above temporary possessions. Direct my thoughts toward the inheritance that cannot perish and the kingdom that cannot be shaken. And let every earthly loss remind me that my true treasure is secure in heaven, where neither decay nor destruction can reach it.
Most of all, Lord, prepare me to meet You with joy on that great day. Until then, preserve me by Your power, sustain me by Your Spirit, and conform me more fully to the image of Your Son, that my life may glorify You in all things.
In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
Further Scripture References:
2 Thess. 2:8; Phil. 3:19; Titus 2:13; Gal. 4:8
[1] Thomas Brooks, The Complete Works of Thomas Brooks, ed. Alexander Balloch Grosart, vol. 6 (Edinburgh; London; Dublin: James Nichol; James Nisbet and Co.; G. Herbert, 1867), 32-35.
