Hebrews 10:22-25

It is evident that the Early Church lived constantly in the knowledge of His soon return. Thoughts of His second coming overshadowed and seemed to color everything they did. It inspired and motivated them. This is what they were told and have left on record for us “. . . This same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen Him go into heaven” (Acts 1:11). In fact, they were somewhat censured for standing by idly and gazing up into the heavens looking all lost and bewildered.

Ever so often we probably need to ask ourselves a similar question as the angels asked these first disciples of Christ – why? Why are we standing by idly when the ascended Christ has already commissioned us with our assignment and reassured us of His most glorious imminent return.

We need to constantly remind ourselves that this same unconquerable, triumphant, undefeatable, omnipotent Savior shall so come in like manner soon. I hasten to point out – He is on His way back. This message must not be lost upon us. Just as He ascended with power and great glory, He is coming back! He who reigns supreme shall return and John the revelator throws light on this when he announces “Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall behold him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen” (Revelation 1:7). Like the saints of apostolic times, we express our eager longing for the speedy return of our precious Lord. We earnestly pray “. . . Even so, come, Lord Jesus” (Revelation 22:20).

In the meantime, we conscientiously do what His Word instructs us to do. We draw near to Him with a true heart in full assurance of faith . . . (Hebrews 10:22). We refuse to draw back and stand afar off. May the Almighty help us to get as close to Him as we possibly can, especially in these last days. The more worldly the world becomes, may we as believers become more devout and pious.

In these most turbulent times, we are cautioned “Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together . . .” (v25). Indisputably, Covid 19 did a real number on the church. It categorically challenged many of our long-established practices and traditions and brought many changes to our operations. However, some things we can never afford to omit altogether.

May we still see the importance and unique value and validity of us coming together. The online church was such a blessing during the intensity of Covid, but may we never forget the blessings and advantages of the assembled body of Christ meeting together for regular worship, inspiration, fellowship and encouragement, just like His Word says (v25).

Jesus soon comes, but in the meantime, it is most expedient for this last day’s movement, the Church of God, to regroup, reorganize and restructure for more growth, greater impact, and to cultivate more resilience against every evil so strategically aligned against us in these most difficult times. “. . . And so much the more as ye see the day approaching” (Hebrews 10:25). We shall continue to come together!