In what ways can we prepare to welcome Jesus as in Luke 13:35? Context of Luke 13:35 “Look, your house is left to you desolate. And I tell you, you will not see Me again until you say, ‘Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord.’” Jesus laments over Jerusalem’s hard-heartedness yet points to a future moment when hearts will cry out in faith, welcoming Him. That same readiness is urged upon every believer today. The Call to Prepare Our Hearts • Repentance — turning from sin to the Savior (Acts 3:19). • Faith — acknowledging Jesus as Lord now, before He appears (Romans 10:9-10). • Desire — longing for His presence more than any earthly comfort (Philippians 3:20-21). Practical Ways to Welcome Jesus Today • Daily fellowship with Him – “Behold, I stand at the door and knock…” (Revelation 3:20). – Set aside focused time in Scripture and prayer. • Holiness of life – “Everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure.” (1 John 3:3) – Reject habits that grieve the Spirit; pursue integrity in thought, speech, and action. • Spirit-filled obedience – “Instead, be filled with the Spirit.” (Ephesians 5:18) – Yield decisions to the Spirit’s leading; serve others with Christ’s love. • Worship and thanksgiving – Echo the prophetic welcome: “Blessed is He who comes…” – Gather with believers, celebrating His past redemption and future return (Hebrews 10:25). • Watchfulness – “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour.” (Matthew 25:13) – Live each day as though He could appear at any moment, ordering priorities accordingly. Living in Expectation of His Return • Keep hope alive: meditate on promises like John 14:3 and Titus 2:13. • Encourage one another with these truths (1 Thessalonians 4:18). • Lift up “ancient doors” of the heart so “the King of glory may enter” (Psalm 24:7). Key Takeaways • Prepare by repentance, faith, and desire for Christ. • Practice welcome through fellowship, holiness, Spirit-filled obedience, worship, and watchfulness. • Let every day’s posture be: “Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord.” |
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