During the years of my children being at school, there have been a few days or more when they have lacked the desire to go to school. Comments like, “Do we have to go to school today?” and “I think I might be sick and need to stay home” (when obviously they weren’t) — the whole dragging the feet after returning to school after six weeks of Christmas holidays etc…you know how it goes.
On days like these, I would often find myself saying with excitement, “You have to go to school today!” When they’d curiously ask why, I’d respond with, “because today might just be the best day ever!”
Not what they were expecting
Then one day recently, it happened. Tony and I drove the kids to school, and as we drove into the school carpark, we paused to let them out only to announce, “So, you’re not going to school today. Instead, we’re all going to Movie World!”
Let’s just say, they didn’t quite believe us at first. Then, as we drove away from the school towards the highway, the realisation came upon them that we were for real and they were excited, a little in disbelief, but also impressed that we had pulled off this surprise so well. I’ve got to say—I was a little impressed myself.
I had arranged a bag with a change of clothes in the back of the car and we were set to go, meeting more family members at the theme park when we arrived. We literally had “the best day ever!” and our teenagers would have missed out on it if either of them had persisted in convincing me to let them stay home that day.
It took me years from when I first had the thought, to actually carrying it out, then one day I decided, if I don’t do it now, they’ll have grown up and left school for good and we would have never had the fun spontaneous day that it turned out to be.
Expect it
There is another day I am really looking forward to — a day we need to be prepared for and keep constantly on our minds. This day truly will be ‘the best day ever’ and it is growing closer by the moment — the day when Jesus returns for His people.
“At that time people will see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory. And he will send his angels and gather his elect from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of the heavens.” (Mark chapter 13 verses 26-27)
There is so much in the Bible about the return of Christ. I will try to keep it short and to the point, but please do some extended reading for yourself if you haven’t already.
Firstly, we don’t know the day or hour of Christ’s return but we can read the signs of the times which seem to be pointing to the probability that we’re getting very close to it and we need to be ready—we always need to be ready. It’s something you just won’t want to miss out on.
Jesus talks about taking note of the times in Matthew chapter 24 verses 32-33:
“Now learn this lesson from the fig tree: As soon as its twigs get tender and its leaves come out, you know that summer is near. Even so, when you see all these things, you know that it is near, right at the door.”
Matthew chapter 24 verses 37-39 tells us that it will be as it was in the days of Noah. Despite the warning, people carried on knowing nothing of what was coming until the flood engulfed them. Just as God provided an ark for Noah and his family, he will provide an ‘ark’ at the end of time too.
Preparation
In regards to being ready, Jesus tells the parable about the Ten Virgins in Matthew chapter 25:
‘Five of them were foolish and five were wise. The foolish ones took their lamps but did not take any oil with them. The wise ones, however, took oil in jars along with their lamps.’ (verses 2-4)
When the bridegroom arrived, those who were prepared and ready were welcomed into the banquet, but the door was shut for those who were not prepared. (paraphrased from verses 6-10)
It’s going to be a great day for those who are prepared and ready, but awful for those who are not. However, there is still time, and while there is time—however short it may be—there is opportunity to take up the great gift of God called redemption through Jesus Christ, our Saviour. He is our saviour because he saves us and as Joel chapter 2 verse 32 says, ‘…everyone who calls on the name of the LORD will be saved.’
“The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead, he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” (2 Peter chapter 3 verse 9)
The benefits
We are reminded in Psalm 103, of the benefits of being in God’s family:
“Praise the LORD, my soul,
And forget not all his benefits—
who forgives all your sins
and heals all your diseases,
who redeems your life from the pit
and crowns you with love and compassion,
who satisfies your desires with good things
so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.” (Psalm 103 verses 2-5)
To be loved by the Creator, the one who made us, and gave everything for us to make it back home to Him, is the most wonderful gift we could ever imagine. We’re talking about eternity—an eternity filled with love. I think that’s worth being grateful for and prepared for.
“So then, dear friends, since you are looking forward to this, make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with him. Bear in mind that our Lord’s patience means salvation” (2 Peter 3 verse 14-15)
Make sure you’re ready, today might just be the Best Day Ever!
“Therefore keep watch because you do not know when the owner of the house will come back—whether in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or at dawn. If he comes suddenly, do not let him find you sleeping. What I say to you, I say to everyone: ‘Watch!’” (Mark chapter 13 verses 35-36)
Rebecca and her husband have four children and live on the Sunshine Coast, Australia. Rebecca writes for various publications including print, online and commercial. She is the author of two books: ‘First to Forty’ and ‘Pizza and Choir’. For more information you can find Rebecca at: http://www.rebeccamoore.life, Facebook: Rebecca Moore - Author, Instagram: rebeccamoore_author
Rebecca Moore's previous articles may be viewed at www.pressserviceinternational.org/rebecca-moore.html