Full Question: With all the major world situations going on right now, do you believe the Lord is coming back soon? Regardless, how should a Christian live their life expecting the Lord’s return?

The past year, 2020, has definitely been characterized by disruption, upheaval and uncertainty. It is difficult to point to a specific event this year as a fulfillment of specific prophecy that points to the nearness of the Lord. The reemergence of the nation of Israel in 1948 may be the closest thing to a prophetic event having that kind of clarity. In spite of a lack of this specific kind of fulfillment, the year’s tumults remind the whole world that we are fragile. Our communities, institutions, economies, psychologies and health can all be cast into uncertainty just by one small virus. Maybe for the first time in some people’s lives, they have been limited by events outside of their control. We are reminded that the human race with all our plans and goals is not that strong.

            It is healthy and good to let these reminders “work” on us spiritually. They should be allowed to wake us up from the sleep and stupor that the world seeks to induce upon all believers.  When we realize our fragility, we should realize our need for God. Paul encourages the Thessalonians, “So then let us not sleep, as others do, but let us keep awake and be sober” (1 Thessalonians 5:6). Jesus also warns us to watch so that we are not lulled into numbness, “But watch yourselves lest your hearts be weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and cares of this life, and that day come upon you suddenly like a trap” (Luke 21:34). Instead, He charges us to “stay awake at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that are going to take place, and to stand before the Son of Man” (Luke 21:36).

            Staying awake means living in a current, present, vital relationship with our Lord. If we are in such a relationship, we will be ready for His return. When He returns, the believers who have such a relationship, who are “awake,” will welcome with joy the Lord that they have been so intimate with in their lives. The events of 2020 should teach us how fragile we are and how solid is such a relationship with our Lord.  May we all “watch,” be “awake,” and “stay awake”!