Be Prepared for Jesus’ Return

Dr. Michael Youssef, Ph.D. Leading the Way

Read Luke 12:35-48.

The doctrine of the second coming of Christ is a vital part of the Gospel. Every element regarding the second coming of Christ in the Bible will be fulfilled. Therefore, anyone who denies, obscures, intentionally misinterprets, or abandons the Truth of the second coming of Christ will be severely judged.

While Christians can have legitimate disagreements about the details surrounding Christ’s coming, we must all live each day in a state of readiness for His return. This world, with all its busyness and worry, will pressure us to take our eyes off Jesus. Troubles will threaten to weigh us down, and circumstances will distract us, but we must lift our eyes to Jesus, who has made us more than conquerors (see Romans 8:37).

Let everything you do be motivated by the knowledge that Jesus will return, possibly one day very soon. Be sure you’re living in a state of preparedness so you will not be caught by surprise when He comes. Jesus said, “Be dressed ready for service and keep your lamps burning” (Luke 12:35). A good servant is ready and waiting so that when his master returns, he is prepared.

To be dressed is to be ready emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. We are not to go about our lives as though Jesus’ return has no bearing on how we live today, but neither are we to sell everything we have and go wait on a mountaintop for His coming. He wants us to be living in anticipation of His return. To have our lamps burning is to let the light of Christ shine forth from our lives. We are to be witnesses, alert and not asleep, understanding the times.

Jesus also warns those who are unprepared for His coming. He says His appearance will be a like the arrival of a thief in the night. These are the people who are too busy building their nest egg here on earth, too distracted by their responsibilities, too concerned about what others think of them. They have no time for Jesus.

But for those who love the Lord and are waiting for His return—for them, His coming will be like the joyful culmination of labor that brings a baby to the arms of his mother. Unspeakable joy and overwhelming gratitude belong to the believer who is looking for Jesus’ return. The faithful will rejoice at the sight of the Lord’s coming because great will be their reward!

Prayer: Jesus, I want to be ready for Your return. May I anticipate Your coming by living for You each day, sharing the hope of salvation with all You put in my path to hear a word of Truth about You. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

“You also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him” (Luke 12:40).

Learn more in Dr. Michael Youssef’s sermon series Enduring Wisdom: WATCH NOW

Check out more from Dr. Michael Youssef, here!

About The Author

Dr. Michael Youssef, Ph.D.

Even before he was born, it is clear that God had a vision for Michael Youssef. His mother was in poor health when she became pregnant with Michael, and because his life was in danger at the time of birth, the doctor recommended terminating the pregnancy. An abortion was scheduled. But God intervened and sent the family pastor to reassure them that God was involved in this pregnancy. He told them not to be afraid and that the child would be "born to serve the Lord." Michael's parents accepted the pastor's message as a message from God and obeyed. His mother gave birth, and lived to see him give his life to the Lord at the age of sixteen.


Believing that God had called him out of Egypt, Michael sought an exit visa in a time in which no university student was allowed to have a passport or leave the country. God intervened again, and miraculously he managed to acquire a visa. He immigrated to Australia, where he studied at Moore Theological College in Sydney, was ordained as a pastor, and met Elizabeth who became his wife.


The Youssefs came to America in 1977, and in 1978 Michael received a master's degree in theology at Fuller Theological Seminary in California. Then he earned a doctorate in social anthropology at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia. Michael served nearly ten years in the Haggai Institute, traveling around the world more than 32 times, teaching courses in evangelism and leadership. He rose to the position of Managing Director at the age of 31 years. The family settled in Atlanta, and in 1984, Michael became a citizen of the United States, making his dream of many years come true.


He founded The Church of The Apostles in 1987 with fewer than 40 adults with the mission of "Equipping the Saints and Searching for the Lost". The church has since grown to be a congregation of over 3,000 people today. This church has driven the international ministry of Leading the Way. While it is heard by millions at home and abroad, behind every message preached through radio waves, is the heart of a pastor, willing to nurture and care for these people. Clearly God has uniquely equipped Dr. Youssef to speak to a global audience. The path he has taken has given him an understanding and firm grasp of the Scriptures that transcend cultures. He preaches, teaches and calls with a sincere, based on the authority of the inerrant, inspired Word of God. With his personal knowledge of the Holy Land, its history and culture, Dr. Michael Youssef transmits life to listeners all over the world.

More Posts by Dr. Michael Youssef, Ph.D.:

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  2. Praying the Will of God
  3. He Can Open Your Eyes
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