Leadership Thought: What Are You Waiting For?

Dear Friends,

A number of years ago I watched a documentary on a famous expedition to the South Pole. While on the expedition, British explorer, Sir Ernest Shackleton, left a few men on Elephant Island, promising that he would return. Later when he tried to go back, huge icebergs blocked the way. But suddenly, as if by a miracle, an avenue opened in the ice and Shackleton was able to get through. His men, ready and waiting, quickly scrambled aboard. No sooner had the ship cleared the island when the ice crashed together behind them, closing of the entrance to Elephant Island. 

Contemplating their narrow escape, the explorer said to his men, “It was fortunate you were all packed and ready to go.” They replied, “We never gave up hope. Whenever the sea was clear, we rolled up our sleeping bags and reminded each other, he may come today.”

Did you know that one out of every 10 New Testament verses refers to Christ return? It is promised, and as believers we ought to be standing on our tip toes, ready and waiting for his glorious return. Spiritual preparation cannot be ‘bought or borrowed’ as the five-bridesmaid discovered in Matthew 25:1. While waiting for the bridegroom, they used up all their oil. When they were finally able to purchase their oil, it was too late to join the feast. “For while they were gone to buy oil, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with Him to the marriage feast, and the door was locked. Later, when the other five bridesmaids returned, they stood outside, calling, “Sir, open the door for us.” But he called back, I” don't know you.” And the parable ends with this challenge, “So stay awake and be prepared, because you do not know the day or hour of my return” ( Matthew 25:10-13).

Here is a quote worth copying down and memorizing: ”The intensity with which we love Christ’s appearing is the revelation of the degree to which we are experiencing his presence.” Are we eager for his return? Can we say enthusiastically, “Even so, come, Lord Jesus” (Revelation 22:10). Remember, “Every man that has this hope in Him purifies himself, even as He  (Christ) is pure” (1 John 3: 3).

Alexander McLaren said, “The early church thought more about the second coming of Jesus Christ than about death or heaven. The Christians were not looking out for a cleft in the ground called a grave, but a cleavage in the sky called glory.” So, let's keep looking up, for one day He will come just as He has promised. “Come Lord Jesus.”

Yours in ministry,

Pastor Tom

P.S. Phillip Yancey tells of a little Episcopal Cemetery graveyard in rural Louisiana. In accordance with the woman's instructions, only one word is carved on the tombstone: “Waiting.” The Jesus I Never Knew, Phillip Yancey, Zondervan, p. 275