Welcome to this week’s Van Life Devotion. Over the past five months, we've explored reasons to follow Jesus—such as finding forgiveness, hope, peace, acceptance, new life, freedom from the past, and more. God is faithful and wants to bless His followers.
Many delay following Jesus, often due to uncertainty about the faith. The Bible encourages seeking Jesus earnestly, which may take time, but eventually, everyone must decide whether to follow Him.
I want to share why be a follower of Jesus now.
Leisl and I have had our house broken into and robbed twice. Once, returning from church, we found the front door open and discovered the house ransacked. All drawers and cupboards were emptied as clothes and other belongings were thrown across the floors, with most of Leisl’s jewellery stolen.
Being broken into is often a shock. No one expects it or else we would prepare for it.
In the Bible we are told that Jesus will one day return and when that day happens there will be a mighty time of judgement by God where followers will be saved and those who don’t will be judged. Jesus said of Himself, “I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am” (John 14:3 NIV). Who will Jesus take with Him to heaven. Two verses later He declared, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6 NIV). If you believe that Jesus is the way, the truth and the life, heaven is your destiny. It is Good News for those who follow Jesus.
Christ’s return will end evil and the Devil, ushering in God’s new spectacular kingdom where, according to the Bible there will be no more death, mourning, crying, or pain. For believers there is great hope!
But here’s the twist concerning when Jesus is coming back. Only God knows when. Over the years there have been those who claimed to have worked out when, but it turned out that they were wrong. No one knows when. The Bible says, “Now concerning how and when all this will happen… For you know quite well that the day of the Lord’s return will come unexpectedly, like a thief in the night” (1 Thessalonians 5:1-2 NLT).
As the events surrounding and including the return of Jesus will be so glorious, the bible gives parables and symbols which has caused much discussion, debate, and interpretation over the years. However, it is agreed that Jesus is coming back and because no one knows when He will return, the Bible says, “be ready all the time, for the Son of Man will come when least expected” (Matthew 24:44 NLT).
Christ’s coming will be victorious and decisive.
Why be a follower of Jesus? Because He is coming back when least expected.
How can you be ready? You don’t need to be perfect nor know everything about the faith.
You can be ready by trusting and obeying. Trust in faith that Jesus is God’s Son who saved you on the cross. And follow Jesus as Lord by obeying His teachings.
I invite you now to pray this prayer with me:
Father God.
I am sorry that I am a sinner.
Thank you for forgiving me on the cross.
I want to be ready for when Jesus returns.
Enable me to put my trust in You and
to obey Your teachings.
In Jesus’ name
Amen
David Moyes
