As a teenager I would often look at the sky watching to see if Jesus was coming again.  In fact, I still do.  I’ve never regarding this as a silly act.  Jesus is coming back and we are to be looking for him.  However, in Acts 1:11, after Jesus had ascended into heaven, the angels admonished Jesus’ followers, “Men of Galilee, why are you standing here looking into the sky?  Jesus, whom you saw taken up from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you saw him go.”

Jesus ascended into heaven.  Two angels appeared and said, “He will return just as he left.”  Since then Christians have been looking for him.  We should be expecting him.  About thirty years ago, I knew a lovely Christan lady who told me, “My parents were looking for Jesus to come all the time; and he didn‘t come.  Don‘t waste your efforts.”  Looking for Jesus is never a waste of time.  It is hope and the center of our life as a Christian.

Nevertheless, we are to live as though we have years to fill with good works for the Lord, while still looking forward to His return.  In fact, we are to live as though Jesus will return any minute.  Is there is no contridiction with that?  No but it is a great paradox.

We are not to stop work and look at the sky all the time.   Looking for Jesus means that we are to be active and ready.  At Special Gathering which is a ministry within the mentally challenged community, we are waiting for Retreat/Camp Agape to come in Memorial Day weekend.  Our entire community is excited with anticipation.

However, no one is going to sit down and wait.  Suitcases must be packed.  Forms must be filled out.  There are some of our members who need to work to earn the money they need for camp.

Looking forward does not mean that we stop work.  It means that we continue to work.  Jesus is coming again.  We should wait for him with joy and hope while working to please him with our love.