What Next?

Today, the world is celebrating all that Nelson Mandela was, and his astonishing legacy of bringing peoples together. Many words will be spoken, and many will seek to bask in the glow of his reputation and goodness. But already people are asking 'What Next?'.

The present leadership in South Africa and many other nations are not in the same league as the great man. Rhetoric may flow freely, but actions seem to be very slow. The challenges to make the future better than the past seem endless. 

And still we are in the season of Advent, awaiting the return of Jesus Christ, as Saviour and Judge. 

What difference does that waiting make for us, day after day?

Jesus repeatedly reminded his hearers that they should be forward-focused. '“The coming of the Son of Man can be illustrated by the story of a man going on a long trip. When he left home, he gave each of his slaves instructions about the work they were to do, and he told the gatekeeper to watch for his return. You, too, must keep watch! For you don’t know when the master of the household will return—in the evening, at midnight, before dawn, or at daybreak. Don’t let him find you sleeping when he arrives without warning. I say to you what I say to everyone: Watch for him!” (Mark 13.34-37) 

Some may wonder, how do we 'watch for him'? How can we be ready for Jesus coming amongst us? St. Paul reminded his friends in Colossae how they should live. 'And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father.' (Colossians 3.17)

If we live every day, fully aware that we are always on duty as a representative of the Lord Jesus, then we shall always be ready for his coming amongst us. People around us will be blessed and challenged, as though Jesus were speaking and living in their company. That will bring glory to God and good to our community.

Are you ready?

Best wishes,

Richard