This is a quote from my husband’s sermon last Sunday. I found the stats. surprising to say the least. The focus of the Bible is not, as we might suppose, on the events of Christ’s first coming as Messiah, though this is certainly foundational. The focus of the Bible is on the Second Coming of Christ.“It’s been estimated that there are 1,845 references to Christ’s second coming in the Old Testament, 17 books give it prominence. In the 260 chapters of the New Testament, there are 318 references to the second advent of Christ – an amazing 1 out of every 30 verses! 23 of the 27 New Testament books refer to this great event. For every prophecy in the Bible concerning Christ’s first advent, there are 8 which look forward to the second. In short the Bible is not all about the historical Jesus, it’s about the pre-eminent, soon to return, majestic and glorious Son of God, Lord of Lords and King of Kings."
As I’ve pondered those words since Sunday, I’ve had a renewed sense of responsibility, accountability and perhaps even urgency, as a writer. These days, it seems, may indeed be drawing to a close – perhaps more quickly than we know. It made me think of the ads running right now for a movie about two old – ahem – older, gentlemen who realize they’re getting on and decide to do the things they’ve always wanted to do before they “kick the bucket.” So they make up a “Bucket List.”
Not a bad idea. As a palliative care volunteer I was told to make just such a list once. “Write down all the things you want to accomplish before you die,” our facilitator said. When we had at least ten things on the list, she said, “Okay, now imagine you had six months left. Re-write your list.” Then she narrowed the time again, and again. I was fascinated by what happened to my list the closer I got to my demise. It went from a top priority of getting published to a top priority of connecting with those I loved.
Writing that list gave me a valuable perspective. I realized that although writing and being published were important, they were not worth usurping the place of people in my life. Then, as I set about putting that perspective into action, I realized it really wasn’t a question of either/or but a matter of blending and balancing, and most of all, obedience.
Connecting with people became of prime importance but I came to understand that God had ordained that one of the ways in which I accomplished that is to write.
So, to return to the beginning, or perhaps to the end, what if Christ were to return tomorrow? What would I want Him to find me doing? The words loving, ministering, praying, all come to mind. And how would I do that? The word sequel comes to mind. I have a book to write. With the Lord’s help it will be a book that will put people first, a book that will point them to Jesus, a book that will perhaps even change a life or two. As I write I will be loving, ministering and yes, praying. It’s what God has given me to do. He has put this currency of His in my hands and said, “Put this … to work, until I come back.’ ” (Luke 19:13b)
Marcia Lee Laycock
http://www.vinemarc.com/
2 comments:
Thanks for this, Marcia - and thanks to you your husband, as well. So rarely does one hear a sermon on the Second Coming and yet what a motivation to keep on working and serving.
Great post, Marcia. I went through a bit of a panic two January's ago - I'm getting older; how will I ever be able to do all the things I felt God had given me to do (mostly writing). God eventually gave me peace as I realized that if he wants me to do something, he'll see that I have the time I need to do it. Since then, I have relaxed a lot more, while still focusing on making time to do the important things he has placed on my heart.
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