26 I am writing these things to you about those who are trying to lead you astray. 27 As for you, the anointing you received from him remains in you, and you do not need anyone to teach you. But as his anointing teaches you about all things and as that anointing is real, not counterfeit—just as it has taught you, remain in him.
28 And now, dear children, continue in him, so that when he appears we may be confident and unashamed before him at his coming.
If I offered to give a young seven-year-old child my car keys, do you think that child would be willing to take my keys and take my car for a drive?
Well, a particularly bold child might just make a grab for my keys and head out the door. Yet, I am quite sure that no seven-year-old knows how to safely drive a car. Why, most children of that age couldn’t even reach the gas or brake pedals.
There are just some things in life that we have to wait until we are older before we can fully understand what’s involved. Driving a car is one of those things. Another of those things is being able to tell for certain what is “real” and what is “make-believe.”
Many seven-year-old children’s lives are filled with storybooks and videos and TV programs that have characters that have become their friends. The older the children get, the more clearly they will be able to tell which of those characters are “real” and which are “make believe.”
Most children might be surprised to know that sometimes adults have trouble deciding what is “real” and what is “make-believe.”
Scripture talks about the return of Jesus Christ to earth, what people often call the “Second Coming of Christ.” One particular verse in Revelation 1:7 says:
7 Look, he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him, even those who pierced him; and all the peoples of the earth will mourn because of him. So shall it be! Amen.
Some adults aren’t sure whether that verse is talking about a “real” event or a “make believe” one. But, I know for an absolute certainty that what that verse talks about is real. One day, maybe even one day soon, Jesus will return and everyone on earth will see Him. That will truly be an exciting day.
Because Jesus loves us so much, and because we love Him right back, we can look forward to that day when He returns to earth. Knowing that He is coming back some day, gives us joy and also helps us want to live in a way that pleases Him.
So, some things in your life right now may be “make-believe.” But, one thing you can count on—something that is very real—is that Jesus loves you, and that He has a wonderful, wonderful plan for your life. He has promised to return to earth. And, that is exactly what He will do.
Until He does return, Jesus has given us the Holy Spirit to walk alongside us each day. The Holy Spirit will help us stay on the pathway that God has laid out before us. We are not alone. Until Jesus returns, the Holy Spirit will lead us and guide us into the pathway of obedience every single day.
Will you pray with me?
Precious Father, thank You for loving us. Thank You for promising to send Jesus back to earth some day. Thank You for giving us the Holy Spirit to guide us each day. Please help me to learn how to follow the plan You have for my life. In Jesus’ Precious and Holy Name. Amen.
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