February 17, 2026
- djohnstoncc
- Feb 17
- 2 min read
RECAPTURING HOLY ANTICIPATION
TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
“He who is the faithful witness to all these things says, ‘Yes, I am coming soon!’ Amen! Come, Lord Jesus!
Revelation 22:20 NIV
TODAY’S THOUGHT
Growing up in church, my spiritual diet included a heavy dose of "Heaven good, Hell bad, and the Rapture is tonight." Most of the imagery was centered around the night—perhaps because fear always feels a little more real in the dark.
For many of us, that emphasis created a constant state of "readiness checks" fueled by anxiety. Eventually, we matured into a better understanding of God’s love and grace, trading fear for peace. However, in that transition, we seem to have lost something vital: the imminent anticipation that fueled the early church.
The Comfort Trap
Part of this shift is likely due to our own prosperity. As we’ve become more comfortable on earth, we’ve talked less about Heaven. When life is good, the temptation is to stop looking for a New Jerusalem and start trying to build our own "heaven on earth" right here.
I am not opposed to comfort or prosperity, but we must be careful not to trade the eternal for temporary. This life is merely a warm-up for eternity; a prelude to living forever in the presence of the King of Kings.
The Only Permanent Solution
We are called to be salt and light, working to ease the pain of our world. Yet, statistics remind us of the magnitude of the task. For example:
Poverty: Globally, over 700 million people still live on less than $2.15 a day.
Injustice: In the U.S. justice system, black Americans are incarcerated at nearly 5 times the rate of white Americans, highlighting systemic inequities that human efforts struggle to fully resolve.
While we must work for justice and mercy now, we must also admit that mankind will never fully eradicate poverty, war, or abuse on its own. The ultimate solution is not found in a policy, but in a Person. True restoration requires a new heaven and a new earth where Jesus is fully in charge.
Living in the "Soon"
Anticipation isn't about being "scared" to go; it's about being "eager" for Him to arrive. When we cry out, "Come, Lord Jesus," we are asking Him to fix what we cannot and to bring the peace that only He provides.
TODAY’S PRAYER
Father God, I want to see Your Kingdom come in my world. I want to see Jesus in charge of every broken system, every hurting heart, and every square inch of this earth. May that start by Jesus being fully in charge of my life today. Help me live with my feet on the ground but my heart tuned to the sound of Your return. Amen.
“Scroll down to share what you feel God is saying based on today’s reading.”
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