Bible and Theology
Prepare for His Coming
Michael Youssef, Ph.D.
Oct 10, 2019
heaven awaits

NEW FROM DR. MICHAEL YOUSSEF

The Bible teaches that Jesus Christ is the bridegroom and the bride is His church from every tribe, tongue, and nation. As the bride of Christ, our role is to prepare for the Lord's return. How do we prepare?

In Psalm 47, the psalmist looks forward to that day when God's people from every tribe, from every nation, from every tongue, from every corner of the globe will worship the living God. At that time, people from every race, color, and background will lift up the name of the Lord. People—whether they be rich or poor, whether they are educated or not—will join together in the praise of His glory.

We are to live as willing servants who allow Christ to reign over our hearts, minds, and lives and call others to do the same.

The psalmist reminds Israel that God is not just the God of Israel. God is not just a local god. God is the God of power and might. God is the God who owns the entire universe. God is the God who is the King of kings and the Lord of lords. He is the God who created all, who rules all, who sustains all, who controls all. And one day His followers will come from every corner of the globe to reign and rule with Him. As He promised Abraham when He called him to go to the land God would show him: "[A]ll peoples on earth will be blessed through you" (Genesis 12:3).

And so Psalm 47 says that the day is coming when the name of the Lord will be lifted high throughout all the earth. Why? Because His faithful children are obeying His commission. Because faithful people are taking the Gospel message to the ends of the earth. What should we do now as the people of God? Like Abraham, we are to live as willing servants who allow Christ to reign over our hearts, minds, and lives and call others to do the same. This is how we prepare in the present for our future glory in Christ.

Prayer: Lord, while I wait for Your return, help me prepare by following Your commands. Give me wisdom to obey Your commission to share Your Gospel Truth with those You have put in my path. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

"God reigns over the nations; God is seated on his holy throne. The nobles of the nations assemble as the people of the God of Abraham, for the kings of the earth belong to God; he is greatly exalted" (Psalm 47:8-9).