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Day 273 Promise 741 Revelation 1:3 Blessed is he who reads, and they who hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand. We read many things. We hear many things. How much of what you read and hear blesses you? John was on the Isle of Patmos when Jesus came to him and gave him the prophecy of what would take place before His return. He told John those who read and heard the words of this prophecy would be blessed. As Christians, you wait for the rapture when Jesus will return for His bride the church. Jesus told John the time was at hand. It would be soon. Christians have waited for the day of Jesus’ return since He gave John this prophecy. Jesus gave His disciples signs of what to look for when the time drew near. Matthew 24:4 And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you. 5 For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many. 6 And ye shall hear of wars and rumors of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. 7 For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in many places. 8 All these are the beginning of sorrows. 9 Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name’s sake. 10 And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another. 11 And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many. 12 And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold. 13 But he who shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved. 14 And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come. Jesus told the disciples what would take place. People would claim to be the Messiah. We’ve seen many people make that claim. There would be wars and rumors of wars. Wars have not ceased since God created man. We’ve seen problems affecting the planet—earthquakes, weather disasters of all kinds, disease—we’re in the middle of a pandemic, famines—many places on earth face famine. When we read this list, we wonder why Jesus hasn’t returned and believe He should have by now. However, one still remains unfulfilled—the gospel hasn’t been preached to the whole world yet. There are still places on earth that haven’t heard the good news of salvation. In this day of technology, you might wonder who hasn’t heard the gospel of Jesus Christ. God knows who and where. He also knows when they will hear. God also promised everyone would have the opportunity to repent and accept Him as Savior and Lord. 2 Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is long-suffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. Jesus told His disciples only God knew the day and time for His return. Matthew 24:32 Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When his branch is yet tender, and puts forth leaves, ye know that summer is nigh: 33 So likewise ye, when ye shall see all these things, know that it is near, even at the doors. 34 Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled. 35 Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away. 36 But of that day and hour knows no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only. So, we wait for the day when every prophecy, every promise, sees fulfillment and Jesus returns. Like all those before us, we believe the time is soon. It is. Remember, one day with God is as a thousand years for us. Psalm 90:4 For a thousand years in thy sight are but as yesterday when it is past, and as a watch in the night. (KJV) 2 Peter 3:8 But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. (KJV) On God’s timetable, it’s only been two days since Jesus’ death and resurrection. It’s been approximately a week since creation. The time is at hand for Jesus’ return. Watch and pray. Let’s pray: Father, give me patience as I wait for Jesus’ return for His bride, the church. While I wait, help me preach the gospel to all nations. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen. Copyright © 11 May 2021 by Valerie Routhieaux Image courtesy of Pixabay