Longing for Christ’s Appearing
It is to be feared that much of the longing for Christ’s coming to bring a better state of things proceeds from an unworthy motive. We suffer from bodily ills, we are overpressed by work and care, disappointed in our plans, deceived by false friends, or appalled by war and calamities, and we sigh, and say, “O that the Lord would come, and put an end to all these things!” It needs no long reflection to enable us to see that such a desire is wholly selfish, and not prompted by the only motive that is worthy, namely, love for Christ. The apostle Paul speaks of the crown of righteousness that is to be given not only to him, but “unto all them also that love His appearing.” The perfect Christian will have such a knowledge of Christ that his presence alone will make happiness for him, no matter what his condition or surroundings. “Whom have I in heaven but thee? and there is none upon earth that I desire beside thee,” is the language of his soul. The presence of the Lord Jesus makes heaven for him on earth, and makes peace in the midst of tumult and tribulation. He experiences the powers, and tastes the joy, of the world to come; and being “abundantly satisfied” with the fatness of God’s house, it is evident that he cannot long for the Lord’s coming, merely that he himself may be benefited. Moreover, “none of us liveth to himself.” Our concern is not to be our own salvation, but the salvation of others. We should certainly long for Christ’s coming, that sin and strife and sorrow may cease, but this should be with reference to others, and not on our own account. So let us not be childishly impatient, but lovingly longing, when to his words, “Surely I come quickly,” we respond, “Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus.” — Present Truth.