The Day Is Near

2 “Son of man, prophesy and say: ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says:

“‘Wail and say,

    “Alas for that day!”

3 For the day is near,

    the day of the Lord is near—

a day of clouds,

    a time of doom for the nations.

4 A sword will come against Egypt,

    and anguish will come upon Cush.

When the slain fall in Egypt,

    her wealth will be carried away

    and her foundations torn down. Ezekiel 30

The day where our Lord will return is coming.  I'm both excited and worried for that day.  I'm excited that Jesus will come to claim his followers, but I worry for those who have denied him.  It will be a horrible day for them.  Look at the verses above, "a time of doom for the nations," "a sword," "anguish," and "the slain."  It's not painting a joyous picture.

I hurt for them.  Earlier this year, a family member died that I don't think knew God, and it truly pains me to know that I may not see them again.  Granted, I don't know what was in their heart or what choice they made, but they didn't leave many signs that they would choose Christ when the time came for them.  I think of the other people that I know that refuse to acknowledge God, and I hurt that they will face his judgment on that day.  It pains me to think about their future and to think that we will be separated and will not spend eternity together.  So I pray for them.  I bring up God and what he's done in my life at any appropriate opportunity.  I live my life in a way that reflects Christ.

I'm sure that I annoy them and get under their skin - and what do I think of that?  I think it'd be better to deal with an annoyance than to face the day described in the earlier verses.  I pray that I can call them to question their lack of faith.  I pray that I do God's will by doing what I can to help steer these people towards them, but the choice is ultimately up to them.  It doesn't mean that I give up, but that I continue to show faith in God - that he will come to claim his followers and judge those who denied him.