Late

Decades later I can recall the memory as though it were only a few weeks ago.  Funny in a non-ha ha kind of way how something in the present will trigger a memory from the past.  I wasn’t particularly rushing to meet a deadline or a commitment to be somewhere, although I was running a bit later than desirable on this particular day when the memory resurfaced.

Meetings

I remembered how I as a young teen always enjoyed the youth group meetings.  Compared to the standards of today, the meetings would likely be considered boring.  But it was not the venue or the activities that drew me in.  It was the people, the personalities and how they interacted with one another.  There were young married couples, older teens, and of course, the leaders whose ages I never really considered.  They were married and in my mind seemed to be fully established adults.  Yet they related to all of us as though they were still anticipating all the adventures life’s journey might bring in the coming days.  Looking back from my perspective now, I realize they, too, were quite young.

Preparing myself for our meeting that evening, I quickly dressed and was ready to leave.  I did not want to be late and was excited to see what adventures tonight’s group would lead us into.  But as older siblings can do, they held us up from leaving.  I was too young to drive and had to depend on someone else to get me there, aka big brother!  Pressing too hard to move him and my sister along would only end in disaster, so I did the only thing a younger sibling could do – I waited, impatiently on the inside of course, but as calm as a cucumber on the outside.  Holding frustration at bay, I bounced back and forth to inquire if there was anything I could do to help, otherwise known as subtly trying to hurry them along.  My efforts fell flat.  They would ready themselves only in their own sweet time.  So, I waited even longer.  Then the time finally came and they were ready.  So we got on our way, arriving at the meeting only a few minutes late. 

After all, they were a few steps ahead of me in the timeline of existence, and in my mind listening, watching and learning from them could help prepare me for when it was time for me to navigate such experiences.

As we were greeted at the door, we quickly learned those attending would be meeting in two separate groups.  We were ushered to our assigned group without the opportunity to interact with the group just before us. 

The Lesson

The youth pastor had creatively decided to make the point of tonight’s lesson memorable.  But for it to have impact, no one could know the rules ahead of time.  Those who came to the meeting early or on time had been led to one group, while those arriving late had to pass by the first group and meet with the others in a separate space.  Then came my real frustration.  No longer could I push it down.  It would not be contained.  I protested.  I begged.  I wanted to shout out but no one would listen!  This was unjust!  “But I was ready to go,” I protested.  “I could not get here because I cannot drive myself!”  My words fell on deaf ears as I was whisked away with the others. 

The lesson was about being ready for the coming of Jesus. 

For as lightning that comes from the east is visible even in the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man.   Matthew 24:27 niv 

The first group represented those who were ready, while the late comers would be like those who missed His coming.  The lasting effect was profound.  No one knew the meeting that night would seemingly join or separate us from one another, and symbolically from Jesus.  We were living our lives, going through the routines, and never anticipated that in an instant we would be either reunited or isolated.

Eventually the two groups came together and we had a wonderful time of discussion and interaction.  But for days I fumed over the injustice.  It was beyond my control to determine my arrival time.  Yet no mercy was shown.  Where was the grace of the gospels, I wondered.  I later realized God truly is merciful, even when men are not.  Perhaps they should have included me in the first group who symbolically did not miss the rapture of the church.  Yet had they, the memory and impact of the lesson might have been lost.  Even now I revel in the truth of God’s inspired Word:

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.   Romans 8:28 niv

Remembering

Yes, it is good for me to remember that night.  Had I comfortably been invited to the ‘Raptured’ group, I probably would not remember that meeting even now.  There were circumstances beyond my control.  Many circumstances will be, and even now, are out of our control.  Injustices come as a part of life.  But what remains within our grasp is what will we do with that which we can control.  And perhaps just as importantly, do we know how to define what we can control?  Let us ponder these words Jesus spoke as we seek to answer such questions:

Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’  This is the first and greatest commandment.  And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’   Matthew 22:37-39 niv

Getting Ready

My frustrations from that evening eventually subsided.  I realized I could not control, nor convince the greeters which discussion group I should be allowed to join.  But the breathtaking moment of realization lingers that Jesus could come in an instant.  At a time known only to the Father, we will be reunited with Him who made us or we could be left behind.  When that time will come, we cannot know.  We cannot control the circumstances or the timing.  Yet we can determine to ready ourselves for His call.

Even as our days pass slowly yet the years quickly, we can easily get caught up in the routines of life.  Let us not forget He has promised to return.  We will see Him one day.  Yet who will be ready?  And as we travel life’s roads alongside one another, what impact will we leave on those near us?  Will our actions and attitudes repel them or like a sweet savor invite them to follow Jesus?

Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom, because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful.  Mercy triumphs over judgment.   James 2:12-12-13 niv

Recommended Resource: 

In Return, we examine Naomi and Ruth as they experienced the newness of being widowed, their journey through the beginnings of an uncertain future, and their return to the place Jehovah had promised to bless. 

In search of a better life, Naomi had wandered away from Jehovah, His people and the Promised land He had promised to bless as His people followed His ways.  In contrast, Ruth contended with Naomi so she could go to pursue Him.  Having left family and familiarity, she willingly lay aside any hope for her comfort or future. 

Both widows experienced trials and triumphs as the Spirit of the Lord beckoned them to … Return.  Available on Amazon …