This is very saddening. I wake up every morning open to the expectation that He will return that day. It's an idea I've impressed upon my children from the beginning. We are no longer plodding along from day to day, but open (and I hope living a life reflective of that daunting reality) to the reality of His judgement beginning at any moment.
(Pew Forum) - Easter is one of the most important religious holidays of the year for many Christians – a time to celebrate the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. According to a 2010 Pew Research Center survey, roughly half (48%) of Christians in the U.S. say they believe that Christ will definitely (27%) or probably (20%) return to earth in the next 40 years. Somewhat fewer (38%) say this definitely will not happen (10%) or probably will not happen (28%).
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I don't quite understand your commentary. Just because you are "open to the expectation" doesn't mean you believe it is very likely (or definiely likely) that Jesus will return in 40 years. How would you answer this? Isn't the "correct" answer "I don't know"?
ReplyDeleteLet me be more explicit then. I am both open to the possibility and attempt to live my life as if it were going to happen at any moment. So I would answer that I do expect it because my actions match my expectation.
DeleteThis is certainly an oddly phrased question. I understand your point, but to phrase it for a different scenario, with a similar spirit: Someone says "my motto is 'Live everyday as if it is your last' or 'I live with the expectation that I will die tomorrow'". Does this person believe that he will definitely die tomorrow, probably die tomorrow, or doesn't know? While Pew does some great work, the question is very strangely worded indeed. Given that it is so confusing, I don't think it is as saddening as you claim it to be. The people who say he will probably or definitely not return are more concerning though.
DeleteI do not mean to seem rude but , the only people I've seen / known who await the return of the Lord Jesus at any moment , are fundamentalist Protestants . I understand the second coming of the Lord , but as Orthodox we know He has never left us . We have His Body , which is our Holy Orthodox Church , and the life giving Eucharist .
ReplyDeleteComrade:
ReplyDeleteBehold, the Bridegroom comes in the middle of the night,
and blessed is the servant whom He shall find watching;
And again unworthy is the servant whom He shall find heedless.
Beware, then, O my soul ....
Exactly what I was going to post. I will also add John 14. While Christ is certainly with us, He no longer walks with us as He did with the Apostles.
Delete15 “If you love Me, keep My commandments. 16 And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever— 17 the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you. 18 I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you.
The Paraclete is with us and we are to be ever vigilant for His return. So, while I am not building a bunker for some Rapturesque moment, I am aware that I have no way of determining when He will return.