Are you ready?

Imagine your husband calling you with really big news. He's excited and can't wait to fill you in on all the details of his surprise. He begins to tell you about a trip that you and he are going to be privileged to go on. It is a gift from his dad.
You see, when you married you knew there was money in the family. But, as the years went by, you were learning more and more about this amazing man and his family. Your father-in-law seemed to care so much about his family that every detail caught his attention. He beamed with pride as you walked down the aisle on your wedding day. As you danced with him, he asked if you would just call him "Dad". He was so proud that you were now "family". He had every intention of treating you as his own and he has never let you down.
Now, your husband sits you down and begins to explain this amazing gift that "Dad" has planned for the two of you. "Dad" won't tell you where you are going, but he promises it will be the most beautiful place you have ever been. Everything will be provided for you. You will be pampered like royalty. And when you get to where you are going there will be more surprises for you. Fragrant beautiful flowers will surround you. Beautiful white sandy beaches and the ocean a blue you've never seen. Even the birds will seem to be singing a tune just for you. There's only one slight detail. "Dad"wont' tell you when you are leaving, which leaves you a bit frustrated.
He assures you that "Dad" has never let him down. He has always delivered on his promises. So, he assures you that he won't let you down either. You know that, so you get very excited!
You see so many of your father-in-law's qualities in your husband. But, immediately, concerns arise in your mind and you begin to throw all kinds of questions at him. What shall I wear? How long will we be gone? Will I need someone to care for the children? And what about the dog...and the turtle? Who will take care of them? "Dad" has all of it under control, trust him.
Then you remember the pile of laundry in the basement and the toothpaste stuck to the bathroom sink. You can't leave the house a mess. He just laughs and says, "Don't worry!" It will be worth it! "Dad" just wants to make sure everything is perfect before you go. Though he did say, "Just tell her to be ready!" You have to laugh this time. This just seems a little crazy, but it is kind of fun to anticipate and it does sound beautiful.
Reality hits you and you realize that you have a conference with a teacher at school in a half hour and you haven't even taken a shower yet. You begin to worry that "Dad" may call today. You have so much on your plate, you kind of hope it's not until next week.
But today passes and tomorrow comes. You get caught up in tomorrow and realize how quickly the time flies. Some days, you completely forget about the trip. Then "Dad" calls and you talk to him this time. He isn't in a hurry, and you're thankful because you still have questions. He encourages you once again that he has everything under control. He never hangs up without saying "I love you."
A few more days, then weeks go by. Did your husband hear "Dad" correctly? Did you hear correctly? Is this some kind of joke? You want to be respectful, but start thinking, you know I have a life to live here. I can't just have everything on hold waiting for that phone call. And where are we going anyway?
Your weeks turn into years. You've had your moments of excitement, but are starting to feel let down. You begin to question "Dad's" integrity. But your husband begins to recite "Dad's" character and you know he's right. "Dad" has never let us down. He calls again just to tell you that "He loves you. And to remind you to be ready!"
Can you imagine waiting and waiting and waiting for a promise like that. Would you still believe it after 5 years, 10, 15 or 50? Jesus told a story like this over 2,000 years ago. His followers thought he was going to return for them in their lifetime. And over the years, there have been similar warnings. The time is now...get ready! Jesus is coming! The excitement builds, and then nothing. Where is he? What is taking so long?
I don't know the answer to that question. And neither does anyone else. Even Jesus didn't know the answer. Matthew 24:30 says, "They will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of the sky, with power and great glory. In Matthew 24:36 He says "No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father." And in Matthew 24:42 "Therefore keep watch (be ready) because you do not know what day your Lord will come."
I'm getting excited and I want to be ready. So, I'm sending out a call to you...Are you ready? He's coming!