“And now, little children, abide in him, so that when he appears we may have confidence and not shrink from him in shame at his coming.” - 1 John 2:28.

It may seem cliché to say it, and the unbelievers roll their eyes when we do, but the truth remains: Jesus is coming back, and He is coming first, for His people. Jesus was the Creator of the earth in the beginning and visited here 2000+ years ago to set up His kingdom. At that time, Jesus commissioned His church to grow His kingdom, and He will eventually return to see what we did with His kingdom’s resources.

Just like when the boss is on vacation and returns to see what we did during the last week, when Jesus returns, He will expect results. Did we obey His commands? Did we work well together? Did we grow the Kingdom? Understand this, unlike a vacationing boss, Jesus is not at all disconnected from His kingdom in His absence. He knows very well what is going on.

So when Jesus returns, there won’t be any questions about what you did or didn't do. He will know the truth. He isn’t coming to catch up or to share stories about where he went and what he saw either. He is coming to judge and reward the citizens of His kingdom. Are we ready for the accountability that is coming?

I don’t know about you, but I don't want to hide behind others when He comes back. I don't want to be embarrassed when he addresses me or bow in shame when He sees me. I want to walk towards Him with confidence, anticipating that He will be pleased with me. I want to bow before my King with joy and honor for growing and tending to His Kingdom.

Jesus is coming again! Our performance review will be no joke. Stay positive. Work hard. Make it happen. -Pastor Mike

BTW, what did Nala tell Simba after seeing a herd of shoppers on Black Friday? We gotta Mufasa!