now is the time (see 2 cor 6:2)
“My Master is taking His time about coming.” —Luke 12:45
Each day is the time when Christ comes. Jesus teaches that instead of trying to know the time of His return or our death, we are to live each day, and indeed each moment, as though the Master could return. If we strive to live like that, we will be “confident and unafraid” (Is 12:2; see also Eph 3:12). The Lord is here — present at every Mass in the Holy Eucharist, present in His Word, His people, His creation. He is Emmanuel, God-with-us (Mt 1:23). When we serve the least of His people, Jesus has made it clear we are serving Him (Mt 25:40, 45).
“Why delay, then?” (Acts 22:16). Serve Jesus now. Live for Him now. Today, this moment, “turn now ten times the more to seek Him” (Bar 4:28).
Yes, the Lord expects much. Yet He gives even more. Jesus said that to whom much has been given, much will be expected (Lk 12:48). The fruit Jesus expects from us flows through us because of the Holy Spirit living in us (see Gal 5:22). His burden is light and His yoke is easy (Mt 11:30). So, “seek to serve Him constantly” (Ps 105:4). “Now is the time!”
Prayer: Father, I trust in the Holy Spirit’s ability to make me Your faithful and willing instrument more than I trust in my own weaknesses. Fill me with the Holy Spirit right now.
Promise: “In Christ and through faith in Him we can speak freely to God, drawing near Him with confidence.” —Eph 3:12
Praise: Carson doesn’t search high and low for a person to minister to. He believes God wants him to converse with the person by his side. It is an excellent opportunity to be Jesus to the world. “Maranatha! Come Lord Jesus.”
Reference: (This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.) (For a related teaching on Job Performance for Jesus, order, view or download our leaflet on our website.)
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