by Dr. Don Young

Watching and waiting are both exciting and challenging when people are anticipating some wonderful event that is approaching.

The Importance of Following Signs

I remember those exciting days in childhood when my mother would put a sign in the window signaling the man delivering ice that she needed ice. On other occasions she would put a sign in the window indicating that she wanted the bakery truck driver to stop by our house. These signs were absolute promises that we kids would receive a chunk of ice and a glazed donut when the deliverymen arrived.

The Bible is filled with promises (signs) that tell us about the coming return of Jesus Christ. Just as our mothers cautioned us concerning the need to watch for the deliverymen, the Bible cautions us to be vigilant as we look for the coming of Jesus. Each deliveryman was identifiable by his vehicle and uniform. We knew who each was when he arrived. We accepted no substitute because we knew him.

The Rewards of Watching and Waiting

Those who know Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord will accept no substitute. Jesus himself cautions us to avoid those who claim to be the Messiah. In a world where substitutes are available for just about anything, believers need to be careful that they are not swayed by the glamour of false teaching.

Just as we kids watched for the iceman and the bakery truck driver, believers eagerly wait and watch for the return of Jesus. We were told to get dressed and be ready because the deliverymen were coming. Believers need to remain ready and watching for the return of our Lord.

Signs give us directions and provide valuable information to help us on our journey. It is important to know how to read these written messages. By studying our Bibles we read about the signs that point us in the right direction in our Christian journey. The Bible also gives us clear signs to look for as we look for the return of Jesus. Watch for his coming.

Don Young, Ph.D., is President of Carolina Christian College in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Don recently retired after 25 years as Minister of the Russellville Church of Christ in Russellville, Ohio. He is the Director of Christians across America. He and his wife Brenda reside in Batavia, Ohio.