How to Live Ready for Jesus’ Return

Why I Paused the Series on Revelation’s Characters

If you’ve followed the show, you know we started working through the “cast of characters” in the book of Revelation. We’ve explored the Trinity—God the Father, Jesus as the Son of Man and the Lamb, and the Holy Spirit. It’s been a great journey for me, I hope it has been for you as well.

But next up were characters like Satan, the Antichrist, the Beast, and Babylon the Great. And honestly—I didn’t want to spend a month studying Satan. So I stepped back, prayed, and realized it was time to shift my focus for a while.

The Tension of Christian Living

In the last episode, we talked about living a balanced Christian life. That means being responsible in your work and personal life while also keeping your eyes on eternity. It’s like living in two worlds at once.

Think of it like a guitar string. If it’s too tight, it breaks. Too loose, and it makes no sound. But when the tension is just right, it creates the note it was designed to play. That’s the kind of balance God wants for our lives—faithful now, and hopeful for what’s ahead.

Three Misunderstandings About Jesus’ Return

The believers in Thessalonica struggled with confusion about the second coming of Christ and how to live ready for Jesus’ return. Paul had to address three groups of people:

1. Some feared they had missed the resurrection. Paul assured them that they would know when it happened. In fact, he said everyone on Earth will know.
2. Some thought it wouldn’t happen for a long time, so they just lived for the moment. Paul reminded them to stay alert.
3. Some believed it was coming right away and quit working. Paul said for them to get back to work and to stay faithful to Jesus while doing it.

We face the same issues today. I’ve had people wonder aloud to me about if Jesus has already come. Many others think He never will. Some just want to sit around and wait. But Paul’s advice still rings true: Keep living faithfully and stay ready.

Has It Been Too Long?

It’s been over 2,000 years since Jesus walked the earth. That’s a long time. Some wonder—“Is He really coming back?”

Think of it this way. If a child is 5 years old, they likely have a long life ahead. But a person who is 98 probably doesn’t have decades left. The older you get, the shorter your time.

What if we flipped our thinking about Jesus’ return? Instead of saying “It’s been too long,” we could say “We’re closer now than ever.” Every day that passes brings us one day closer. Whether He returns tonight or in a thousand years, today we are closer than yesterday.

Stay Awake: What Jesus Said

Jesus made it clear in Mark 13:35–37:

“Therefore stay awake—for you do not know when the master of the house will come… lest he come suddenly and find you asleep. And what I say to you I say to all: stay awake.”

Jesus also warned in Matthew 24 that His return would be like the days of Noah. People were eating, drinking, getting married—and then the flood came. Life seemed normal… until it wasn’t.

“Two men will be in the field; one will be taken, and one left… Therefore, stay awake, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming.” —Matthew 24:40-42

How to Live Ready for Jesus’ Return

Jesus doesn’t want us waiting with fear—He wants us working in faith. In Matthew 24:46, He says:

“Blessed is that servant whom his master will find so doing when he comes.”

Doing what? Living faithfully. Loving our families. Serving others. Sharing the Gospel. Being salt and light in a dark world. This is what it means to “stay awake.”

Jesus echoed it again earlier in the same chapter:

“The one who endures to the end will be saved.” —Matthew 24:13

And that’s the heart of Revelation, too. Endure hardship. Stay strong. The reward is coming.

Could Jesus Return Soon?

Some Christians focus only on death: “We don’t know when we’ll die. We’ll meet Jesus then.” That’s true—but it’s also true that we might not die.

Jesus might come back in our lifetime. It could happen today. Or next year. Or in 500 years. We don’t know—but we must live like it could happen any moment.

Prophecy and the Mount of Olives

Let me leave you with a thought from prophecy. Zechariah 14 says:

“On that day his feet shall stand on the Mount of Olives, that lies before Jerusalem on the east…” —Zechariah 14:4

Now flip to Acts 1, where Jesus ascends into heaven. He’s standing on the Mount of Olives, and the angels say:

“This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way you saw Him go…” —Acts 1:11

Could it be that Jesus returns just as He left—from the Mount of Olives, coming in the clouds? 

The Message of Revelation: You Can Do This

In episode one of this podcast, I told you: You can do this. Revelation is not just for Bible scholars. It’s for believers like you. You may not understand every symbol or image—but you can understand enough to be encouraged and strengthened.

Don’t let fear or confusion keep you from reading it. God wants you to be blessed by this book.

Final Encouragement

As I close this chapter of the podcast, here’s what I want you to remember:

• Keep your eyes on Jesus.
• Stay strong in hard times.
• Live each day with purpose and urgency.
• Do your job, love your family, serve your church—and do it all for the Lord.
• And never forget: He is coming back.

Whether through death or His return, we will see Jesus. That’s not just hopeful—it’s certain. He’s coming for His people. Be ready.

Stay Connected

Though the podcast is ending, the mission of learning how to live ready for Jesus’ return continues. I’ll still post articles, videos, and studies at www.rootsofrevelation.com. Check back often and stay in the Word.

And finally, never forget that:

• God loves you.
• Jesus loves you.
• I love you—because He loves you.

May the Lord bless you in all your ways. Keep bringing glory to Jesus in everything you do. And as always…

Stay awake.

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Roots

Matthew 24: 13-46

Mark 13:35-37

Revelation 3:2