Filling The Cup | Grace & Truth, Inc | Ыйык Китеп Үйү

Filling The Gap

Jesus said, “As long as it is day, we must do the work of Him who sent Me. Night is coming, when no one can work. While I am in the world, I am the light of the world.” John 9:4-5 NIV

“It is finished!” The Bible uses these three words to announce two significant events. The first is found in John 19:30, where Christ, hanging on a cross, announces that His work is done. The second is found in Revelation 16:17, which reads, “Out of the temple came a loud voice from the throne, saying, ‘It is finished!’” In this passage, the same words were used for a second time, indicating the climactic end of this age and the unveiling of the most anticipated event of all time – the Second Advent of Jesus Christ. I believe this phrase contains a strong message for today’s Church – a summons to look beyond the first Advent and to prepare for the second.

Why do I believe this? For several reasons: As an Ethiopian my perspective is informed by the tragic state of my country. As I write this, a devastating famine has settled over my land leaving close to fifteen million people without food. Another four million suffer from AIDS. The average worker earns just 47 cents a day. It is hard to feel that the end is not near when you see so much misery everywhere you look.

But far more importantly, as a Christian, my perspective is informed by the Bible. And as I read its pages I am impressed with this simple truth: there are more passages announcing His second coming than there were to announce His first. We need to be preparing the way for the return of the Son of God. He came initially as a child. He will return as a King.

Are you preparing your heart? Does the celebration of the First Advent lead you to look forward to the Second? Are you doing the things He has called you to do?

Like Christ, Paul had completed his mission as well. In one of the last letters he wrote before his death he stated, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day – and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for His appearing” (2 Tim. 4:7-8).

Do you long for His appearing? Have you completed the task He has called you to? Will your welcome into heaven include these words from Christ: “Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!” (Mt. 25:21).

Tomorrow is not at our disposal. So as long as it is day, we must do the work of Him who called us to fill the gap. May this Advent find your hands to the plow and your eyes toward heaven.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Wondaferahu Adnew Ersulo was born and raised in southern Ethiopia, where he was a school teacher prior to his call to ministry. After study at a Bible college in Addis Ababa he served as an instructor and dean at a ministry training college in Dilla. He is now studying in the USA. Upon completion of his studies, he and his wife and two children will return to Ethiopia to minister.

NOTE: This article is reprinted by permission from “Hope For A Despairing World,” CISF (Christian International Scholarship Foundation), Lake Forest, Illinois, 2003.