14 Minutes

Now, faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.  – Hebrews 11:1   NIV

Mr. Snuffleupagus or “Snuffy” (or as I pronounced his name when I was a kiddo – Mr. Snuff-a-luff-a-gus). Do you guys remember him?? He was the sweet imaginary friend of Big Bird on Sesame Street. Sesame Street and The Electric Company used to be considered school, y’all! Oscar the Grouch, Bert and Ernie, Grover  – all those clean, nice, entertaining monsters that educated us little ones on letters, numbers, vowels, consonants and how to eat cookies…. properly.

The adults on Sesame Street didn’t believe in Mr. Snuff because, well, they never saw him. No big surprise there. Big Bird tried to convince the grown ups of Snuff’s existence, but it took 14 long years before anyone would actually see him and at last, believe. Seeing is believing…

Here’s a thought: What if Jesus were coming back in 14 years? We would hopefully start spreading the Word more, right? Be more loving and generous – right now. Be prepared. An actual timeline to get ready, to be ready, for his return. To do good. To push on and endure whatever happens over the next 14 years. All the stuff we should be doing in the meantime…

We know that He indeed is returning, but to actually know when? I’m not sure that knowing when is of any importance. It’s so unrealistic that we would know when Jesus is returning. Why on earth would he tell us when? Where would faith enter? Some people may wait until year 12 or 13 to do what he has asked of us from the beginning. Sobering thought: what if He was coming back in just 14 days? or 14 hours? or 14 minutes? Is there someone who you would call in the next 14 minutes to make sure that they know Him? Do you know Him? Only you and Jesus know the answer to this question.

You know, I read that every time someone accepts Jesus as their Savior, confesses their sins and asks for forgiveness, that there are angels rejoicing in Heaven. Yeah, a party in our honor. Grace. Does it get any better than that?

In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”     – Luke 15:10   NIV