The Lord`s Promise

A member of the public from overseas who came to watch the royal wedding was asked the question `Didn`t you check the London weather forecast?` It seems the lady arrived unprepared for the British weather, and was feeling rather chilly! Weather conditions - usually involving the clouds - affect us every day of our lives and we prepare and dress accordingly. It is hugely important that we understand them because if they are adverse we need to take shelter in advance.

Jesus Himself chided the people as He taught them, pointing out that they could read the weather forecast of their day, but not the signs of the time (Luke 12:56). Clouds feature strongly in the Bible, playing a key part in a number of descriptions surrounding the Second Coming of Jesus. We read `we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air, and so shall we ever be with the Lord` (1 Thessalonians 4:17)`, and `For behold he cometh with clouds` (Revelation 1:7). We know that the Lord is faithful to all His promises, for, as Jesus said, `Heaven and earth may pass away, but my words will never pass away` (Luke 21:33).

In the second part of 2 Peter 3:9, however, we also read that `he is not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance`. The heart of God is bursting for mankind, whom He loves passionately. He is longing that, even in the lateness of the hour, many who do not yet know Him will turn away from sin and call out His name, as hope fades when the cisterns of this world fail to meet their needs. `For whosever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved ` (Romans 10:13). Also with every passing day He is ever on the look out for His prodigal sons and daughters, who have wandered in heart and mind, to see if they might come to themselves and return to the Father`s arms. It is the goodness and mercy of God that preserves us, and wherever we are today we will not escape His piercing gaze, which will always make each one of us feel as if we`re the only one He`s looking at - even in a crowd.

Know this - the word of the Lord is sure. He has always kept His word and will continue to do so, as it`s His unfailing nature to honour His promises to us. But until the final clouds reveal His visible presence He holds out the golden sceptre of His favour to each of us (Esther 5:2). The cross of Jesus Christ has left its defining mark upon mankind. Let us seize the day and accept the royal invitation of all time `Come for all things are now ready` (Luke 14:17) `Come ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world` (Matthew 25:34).

Prayer: Dear Lord, We commit ourselves unreservedly to You afresh and thank You for Your tender mercies and loving kindness to us each day. Thank You for loving us the way that You do. Fill us afresh with Thy Holy Spirit that we might be ready at Your coming, in Jesus` Name, Amen.