Closer than Ever Before

“…Now it is high time to awake out of sleep, for now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed” (Romans 13:11b). This remarkable phrase from the apostle Paul creates wonder in the reader. How it struck the Roman Christians, we can only imagine. However, how it creates in us the sense of urgency and excitement for the return of Jesus is powerful.

Reading this, it is easy to think, “Perhaps today!” We know that Simon Peter said that time was relative with God (2 Peter 3:8), but we also know that Jesus said to watch, because you do not know when that day will be (Mark 13:31-37).

The fact we are closer now to that day than when we became Christians means that date really is on God’s calendar. We are, every day, every year, getting closer to it.

If there is no other reason to rejoice in another sunrise, certainly this suffices. If there is no other reason to praise God for another opportunity for service and praise, then this in itself grabs the heart, fills the spirit and directs us heavenward. We are that much closer, that much nearer and closer than ever before!