Cloudy with a 100% Chance of Jesus

In East Tennessee, nothing creates a buzz quicker than the four-letter "S" word.

You know the word.

S-N-O-W

At its utterance, this town immediately heads to Wal-mart, the salt trucks pull out and schools begin to cancel. Often times before the first flake has fallen. (Knoxvillians - isn't it so true?!)

Well, with one exception: my running partner, Jody. She is from Canada. And she makes me run...IN the snow. I guess that's what I get for having a Canadian running partner.

Anyway, the other night was no different. The family and I were at the mall and I over heard a conversation:

"Yeah, they are predicitng 2-5 inches in the valley. It will start snowing tomorrow and snow through Tuesday."

Wha -wha -what?! Two to 5 inches?! In these parts that translates to 12-15 inches.

My first thought. Chili.

I looked to Brent. "We need to go to Wal-mart. We are low on a few things and I really want to make chili."

The boys and I start to dream....

"Let's get out all of our board games and stay in our PJs the whole day. I can put chili in the crock pot and we'll make snow cream and hot chocolate!!"

So much anticipation.

So much excitement.

I heart snow.



Anyway, this look is only appropriate when it snows: Bathrobe. Pajama pants. And Polka-dot galoshes. Yes, these are really my feet :)

Snow shuts down life as we know it. I am forced, so to speak, to enjoy a little rest. Play with my boys in the floor. Play games, make crafts and cookies from scratch. Oh snow...please come quickly.

But in the midst of all the weather predictions, all the hustle, bustle and anticipation, I begin to think of another prediction.

An inevitable prediction. Not a 60% chance. Not even a 90% chance.

The 100% chance prediction made in 2 Peter 3:8-11a

But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day.The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.

But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything in it will be laid bare. Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming.

Wow.

What if the weather man came on the news and said, "Tomorrow, we'll have cloudy skies and a high of 45. Then on Wednesday Jesus is coming. Grace and peace be with you all. Back to you, Russell."

What buzz would that bring?! Whoa.

I'll tell you this...I wouldn't be heading to Wal-mart.

But isn't this what Peter is saying? It is a similar translation. "People! This will happen. Let us live everyday like it could be today. Get your stuff together. Live holy lives. And look forward to His coming."

But, to be point-blank honest...I rarely think about this 100% chance. I go about my life, living as if this prediction will not be in my lifetime.

How differently would I live if this reality rested on the forefront of my thinking?

How differently would I treat others? How much more would I be in the Word? What would my prayer look like then? How small would my "problems" seem? How much more would I play in the floor with my boys. Read? Rest?

My perspective would change. On everything.

Oh, sweet Jesus, forgive me for not adhering to this warning.

I want to have my pantry stocked, you know what I mean? I don't want to be scrambling around looking for my chili ingredients.

I want bow before Him and say, "Oh, Lord. I've been waiting. Let's go."

As we watch for the snow, let it be a reminder of what we are really watching for...or rather for whom we are watching.

Behold, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to everyone according to what he has done.

I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.

The Spirit and the Bride say, "Come!" And let him who hears say, "Come!" Whoever is thirsty, let him come; and whoever wishes, let him take the free gift of the water of life.

"Yes, I am coming soon." Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.

The grace of the Lord Jesus be with God's people. Amen.

Revelation 22:12, 13, 17, 20-21