Are You Ready for Summer?

Are You Ready for Summer?

“And He spoke to them a parable: ‘Look at the fig tree, and all the trees. When they are already budding, you see and know for yourselves that summer is now near. So you, likewise, when you see these things happening, know that the kingdom of God is near.’” Luke 21:29-31.

War and distress and hunger will not always be a fact of life, and children will not always suffer because unrighteousness abounds and the love of many has grown cold. Matt. 24:12. Not at all! Now is the time to be saved and to get ready for summer! Vs. 13-14. We can get ready for summer by being obedient to the gospel of the kingdom of heaven—the gospel of God, the glad tidings! Rom. 15:13-16.

Jesus made this plain in the Great Commission: “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe [heed] all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Matt. 28:18-20.

Peter exhorts us to purify our souls in obedience to the truth through the Spirit, unto sincere love of the brethren. 1 Pet. 1:22. We can do this because we were born again by the word of God which lives and abides forever. V. 23. Such people never wilt away! But all flesh is like the flower of the grass that perishes when life’s storms blow in a person’s life. However, this does not happen to someone who is born again by the word of the Lord that is preached to us. V. 25. Such people always live in the summer! Imagine the warmth of summer with which you surround yourself when you live according to God’s word.

Paul gives a very personal testimony in Galatians 2:20. Think that it was not he who lived, but that Christ lived in him. He was apprehended of the gospel of God that Jesus had proclaimed and of partaking of God’s kingdom that was so close at hand: “Jesus came to Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, saying, ‘The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel.’”

Paul was thankful and excited about the inheritance among the saints and the great riches that each single soul possesses who believes! You can read about it in Ephesians 1:15-23.

Peter was convinced that love for all was included in godly fear and brotherly love. 2 Pet. 1:7. Therefore he was a summer person whose life’s harvest would result in an abundance of heavenly fruits. Vs. 10-11.

Also Paul writes about this in Romans 6:22. A summer person is set free from sin. Such people do not slander; on the contrary, they speak believing in God’s word in all of life’s circumstances, with hope and faith for others. 2 Cor. 4:13-14. By speaking such words, grace will spread through the many, causing thanksgiving to abound to the glory of God. V. 15.

People who are getting ready for God’s summer have this mind: “Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name. But do not forget to do good and to share, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.” Heb. 13:15-16.

Around such people you will never experience cold winds or accusing sighs or an atmosphere of miserliness. Such people have first given themselves to the Lord! Afterwards they serve people according to God’s will. 2 Cor. 8:5.

Are you ready for summer? Is the love of Christ compelling you to say the words you are saying and do the deeds you are performing? Have you resolved that you will no longer live for yourself but for Him who died and rose again for you? 2 Cor. 5:14-15.

Then you have a wonderful future in the present world and in all eternity! Because then you have arrived at Mount Zion! You have received a kingdom that cannot be moved! Heb. 12:22-23, 28. You are a summer person who spreads light and warmth on your way irrespective of your circumstances.

Then you can say like Paul: “Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.” 1 Cor. 11:1 (KJV). Then, when you come, those around you know that you are coming with a fullness of the blessings of Christ. Rom. 15:29.

Then you are ready for summer!