How can we prepare for the Lord's coming as described in Isaiah 66:15? The Fiery Picture of His Coming “For behold, the LORD will come with fire—His chariots are like a whirlwind—to execute His anger with fury and His rebuke with flames of fire.” (Isaiah 66:15) Why the Lord Comes with Fire • To judge wickedness decisively (Revelation 19:11–15) • To purify and refine His people (Malachi 3:2–3) • To unveil His holiness and majesty (Hebrews 12:29) Heart Preparation: Reverent Fear • Embrace a healthy awe of God’s character: “Our God is a consuming fire.” (Hebrews 12:28–29) • Let reverence replace casualness—speak of Him with honor, obey Him promptly, worship Him sincerely. Live in Ongoing Repentance • Confess sin quickly; keep short accounts with God (1 John 1:9). • Allow Scripture to expose hidden motives (Psalm 139:23–24). • Welcome the Spirit’s refining work, much like silver in the furnace (Malachi 3:3). Pursue Holiness in Daily Choices • “What kind of people ought you to be? You ought to conduct yourselves in holiness and godliness.” (2 Peter 3:11) • Guard your eyes, speech, and relationships. • Practice integrity when no one is watching. Stay Alert and Ready • “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day on which your Lord will come.” (Matthew 24:42) • Cultivate habits that keep you spiritually awake—regular Bible intake, fellowship, and communion. • Refuse spiritual complacency; yesterday’s obedience does not replace today’s vigilance. Cultivate Worship and Humility • Offer God-centered, Scripture-saturated worship (Psalm 96:8–9). • Serve others quietly, rejecting pride (Philippians 2:3–4). • Remember that true greatness is measured by humility before Him. Proclaim and Disciple • Share the gospel “in season and out of season” (2 Timothy 4:2). • Invest in making disciples who likewise await His appearing (Matthew 28:19–20). • View every conversation as a potential eternity-shaping moment. Live with Hope and Expectation • Fix your eyes on the promised new heavens and new earth (2 Peter 3:13). • Let future glory color present trials with hope (Romans 8:18). • Encourage one another with the certainty of His return (1 Thessalonians 4:16–18). In short, Isaiah 66:15 calls us to prepare for a fiery, triumphant arrival. We do so by walking in reverent fear, continuous repentance, practical holiness, alert readiness, humble worship, active witness, and steadfast hope. |
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