Living in Readiness: Occupy Till He Comes

Editorial by Charles A. Tapp

For over half a century, as a baptized and devoted member of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, I have heard the clarion call time and time again: Jesus is coming soon—possibly even in my lifetime. Yet, for reasons known only to God, Jesus has not returned.

In our modern understanding, “quickly” suggests something will happen soon, but that’s not the message being conveyed here. Instead, the word “quickly” describes the manner of Jesus’ return—suddenly and unexpectedly. The apostle Paul echoes this idea in 1 Thessalonians 5:2: “For you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night” (NIV).

Think about this: When did a thief ever give notice of plans to break into your home? Speaking from personal experience, no such courtesy was extended.

Scripture is clear—no one knows the day or hour of Christ’s return. Therefore, our best course of action is to live in a constant state of readiness. Jesus emphasized this in Luke 19:13: “Occupy till I come” (KJV).

By “occupy,” Jesus didn’t mean idly waiting or becoming entangled with worldly distractions that are of little or no eternal value. Rather, He called us to actively engage in His work—to be about our Father’s business. And what is that business? It is to be salt and light to a world desperately in need of both.

H.M.S. Richards, a pioneer in Adventist media ministry, captured this idea perfectly:

“Keep about your work. Do not flinch because the lion roars; do not stop to stone the devil’s dogs; do not fool away your time chasing the devil’s rabbits. Do your work. Let liars lie, let sectarians quarrel, let corporations resolve, let editors publish, let the devil do his worst; but see to it that nothing hinders you from fulfilling the work that God has given you.”

To that, I say, “Amen!”

Let us remain faithful, steadfastly occupying ourselves with God’s work, so that we are prepared for the day He returns—suddenly and without warning.

Charles A. Tapp is the president of the Potomac Conference.