JOHN 12:20-21 – Now there were some Greeks among those who were going up to worship at the feast; these then came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida of Galilee, and began to ask him, saying, “Sir, we wish to see Jesus.”
The story is told of a seasoned pastor. He had served the Lord in pastoral ministry for decades. He had a practice which helped him in the conflicts and difficulties of the pastorate. He would wake each morning, and before he started his day, he would pray – “Lord, maybe today, maybe today.” It was his practice to remind himself he was only a heartbeat, only one breath away from being face to face with Jesus.
What about us? Do we live considering seeing Jesus maybe today? Every author in the New Testament wrote of Christ’s coming. The early church lived anticipating being with the Lord. And if we read of martyrs through history, we will find they were strengthened to endure the persecution, even unto death, by minds focused on being with Jesus.
Living in light of Christ’s appearance is radical. A lot of our worries, cares, fears, and anxieties would fade away if we focused our lives on seeing Jesus at any moment. Something else happens when our hearts, minds and wills are taken off ourselves and centered on seeing Jesus. The Apostle John tells us in his first letter and the opening verses of chapter three. As we read these words, keep reminding ourselves this is a statement of truth from God and a promise from Him.
See how great a love the Father has bestowed on us, that we would be called children of God; and such we are. For this reason the world does not know us, because it did not know Him. Beloved, now we are children of God, and it has not appeared as yet what we will be. We know that when He appears, we will be like Him, because we will see Him just as He is (1 John 3:1-2). In summarizing the Apostle John’s amazing words, he tells us of God’s tremendous and abundant love toward us (the gospel is implied) and what is going to occur when we see Jesus – We know that when He appears, we will be like Him.
The moment we see Jesus, there won’t be any, “Lord, I have a few questions for You about my life on earth.” There also won’t be the immediate search for loved ones. Our fixation will be on two things. First, our change. We will finally be fulfilled when sin is removed. No more spiritual battles. No more falling short of loving God with all our being. Next, we will be consumed with Jesus. Read Revelation 4 and 5 to get a glimpse of our future experience.
The old preacher I mentioned finally had fulfilled what he did each morning – looking to be with Jesus. We too should adopt his practice. It will promote humility, holiness, and happiness in the Lord.
PRAYER: “Lord, intensify my longing to be with You in heaven.”
QUOTE: “Christians live with the mindset that they might see Jesus today.”