Are we truly ready for Jesus to come to us?

Today, I had the opportunity to attend church, and I learned an incredible and eye-opening story that led me to ask myself this important question: Am I ready for His return? I often joke, "What if Jesus comes today? What would I say?" Sometimes, I think to myself that maybe I need a bit more time to finish what I’ve started or to receive what I’ve prayed for. But today changed my perspective. It made me reflect and re-examine myself.

Let me share with you what I learned. It’s the story of a man named Simeon, which is found in Luke 2:25-35. In verse 25, we read that Simeon was a man of righteousness and devotion, filled with the Holy Spirit. He listened to and obeyed God’s voice. What struck me was how unique Simeon was at the time – the Holy Spirit was with him, and he was waiting for the day he would meet Jesus.

So where do we stand today? We live in the New Testament era where the Holy Spirit has been given to us by God’s grace, and not only given but also residing within us. But are we living like people who are eagerly awaiting Jesus’ return? If you ask me, my honest answer is no.

Here are three lessons I took from Simeon’s story in these few verses:

1. Eagerly Awaiting Jesus    Simeon was waiting expectantly for Jesus. Philippians 3:20 says, *“But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ.”* It instructs us to wait for Him eagerly! Similarly, 2 Peter 3:14 says, *“So then, dear friends, since you are looking forward to this, make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with Him.”* Are we living in this kind of anticipation? Are we making every effort to be righteous and devoted?

2. Who Will Jesus Accept When He Comes?    Simeon was overjoyed to see Jesus and embraced Him. This raises a question: If we are not ready, or if we are hiding something, will we have the courage or desire to act like Simeon did? I don’t think so. Even in our earthly relationships, when we’ve done something wrong, we often struggle to face our parents. How much more so with Jesus? But Simeon was ready! In verse 28, it says, *“Simeon took Him in his arms and praised God.”* He was prepared, on the right path, and even after seeing Jesus, he said in verse 29, *“Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you may now dismiss your servant in peace.”* Simeon had seen what he had longed for and was at peace, even ready to die.

Additionally, 1 Thessalonians 5:23 says, *“May God Himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.”* This is how we are called to be: righteous, devoted, and ready for His return. Are we?

3. A Surrendered Life to the Holy Spirit    Simeon was devoted and walked according to the Holy Spirit’s guidance. In verses 26 and 27, we see that he not only listened to the Holy Spirit but also obeyed Him. How many of us hear the Holy Spirit’s voice but fail to obey? I’ll leave that for you to reflect on. Are we truly living surrendered lives?

Finally, I’ll conclude with this verse from Revelation 22:7: *“Look, I am coming soon! Blessed is the one who keeps the words of the prophecy written in this scroll.”*

Jesus is coming.

Are we ready?