Monday, November 13, 2017

EXPECTING HIS RETURN

On one of his expeditions to the Antarctic, Sir Ernest Shackleton left some of his men

on Elephant Island with the intent of returning for them in a short time. But he was

delayed. By the time he could go back for them the sea had frozen and he had no access

to the island. Three times he tried to reach them, but was prevented by the ice. Finally,

on his fourth try, he broke through and found a narrow channel to them.

Much to his surprise he found the crewmen waiting for him, supplies packed and ready

to board. They were soon on their way home to England. He asked them how they knew to be ready for him, especially since he had been so long delayed. They told him that

they didn’t know when he would return, but they were sure he would. So every morning

the leader rolled up his sleeping bag and packed his gear and told the crew to do the

same, saying, “Get your things ready, boys, the boss may come today.”

That’s a marvelous attitude for Christians. We don’t know when Christ will return, but

we are sure that he will. Our task is to be ready, and it could be today!