The class was ready.  We had talked about fire safety. We practiced “Stop, Drop, and Roll.” We shouted out the emergency numbers 9-1-1. We were ready for the firefighters’ visit. And the visit didn’t disappoint. We got to see the firefighter’s uniform, we climbed through the truck, and we even got to try the hose. What a great day it was!

We are ready for an extraordinary event. We anticipate something much more exciting than a fire truck visit. Jesus promised that he will return to this earth. He said, “At that time they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.” (Luke 21:27-28) With a little child’s eagerness, we look forward to seeing Jesus face to face when he returns to bring us to heaven.

We prepare for his coming. Just as the children learned about fire safety, we learn about our Savior. We take time for personal devotions and Bible study and look for opportunities to worship with others. We talk about Jesus every day with our students and are encouraged by children’s simple words of faith. “Jesus loves me. He takes away my sins. He is always with me. I love Jesus.” We are strengthened as we raise our voices in song to our Savior.

We are ready at all times. Only God knows when Jesus will return so he tells us to be always faithful. On our own, we wander from Jesus’ side. Our faithfulness is far from perfect, and we fall into sin. Our loving Savior provided a solution: his own faithfulness. “He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9). Jesus gently leads us back to his heavenly path so we can rest in his unfailing love and forgiveness.

The last days are coming! Let’s get excited. Jesus has earned a place for us in heaven where we will be perfectly faithful to him. We will live in glory with him forever. We really are ready.