I’ve lived in my house for almost 12 years, but I remember moving in as if it were yesterday. I remember being excited the first time my parents were coming to visit us. I cleaned the house like a mad woman. I was on my hands and knees scrubbing the grout between the tiles on the bathroom floor. I wanted everything to be perfect. I wanted them to find my house in the best condition possible. Because I was expecting them to come, I was doing everything within my power to be ready.
Are you expecting Jesus to come back? Do you even think about it? Easter is a time we celebrate the Lord’s victory over death. We celebrate because He rose from the dead just as He said He would do and because He promised to come back and take us with Him [John 14:1-4]. If we know He is coming and we are truly expecting Him, shouldn’t we be prepared for His arrival? Unlike my parents, we don’t know when He will return [Matthew 24:36], but we do know He is coming. So, shouldn’t we be ready?
When I was expecting my parents, I cleaned my house. I got everything that didn’t belong in my house and threw it out. I wanted no filth to be found. I wanted my house to be spotless. Now, I am certain it wasn’t spotless but I also know my parents recognized my efforts and were pleased I was trying.
I don’t believe the Father expects us to be perfect. In fact, He knows it is impossible. But I do believe when Jesus returns, He will notice if we’ve been expecting Him by the way we’re living our lives.
So, take an honest look at your life right now. Does it reflect an expectation of Jesus returning? If not, are you willing to do a little cleaning?