Vol. VII No. 2 Jan. 20, 2008

Jesus is Coming, look busy!

Written by Christopher Mentzer

I’m not entirely sure who coined the phrase above. It was credited to both comedians George Carlin and Rowan Atkinson. Either way it is a statement that has been used on bumper stickers and T-shirts.

For the purpose of this article, let’s break down this statement. First we have ‘Jesus is Coming’. This is indicating Jesus’ return. In the scriptures He foretold His return: “And if I go and prepare a place for you, I come again, and will receive you unto myself; that where I am, `there' ye may be also.” (Jn. 14: 3) In the Book of Acts His return was assured, “Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye looking into heaven? this Jesus, who was received up from you into heaven shall so come in like manner as ye beheld him going into heaven.” (Acts 1: 11)

Even though we know He will return, we don’t know when: “But of that day and hour knoweth no one, not even the angels of heaven, neither the Son, but the Father only.” (Matt. 24: 36) “But the day of the Lord will come as a thief…” (2 Pet. 3: 10)

In the meantime, as the phrase states, we need to be busy. But busy doing what? When Jesus was only twelve He was already busy, “And He said to them, ‘Why did you seek Me? Did you not know that I must be about My Father’s business?’” (Lk. 2: 49 NKJV) And again in John 5: 17, “But Jesus answered them, My Father worketh even until now, and I work.”

From this we can surmise that we should be busy with the work of the Father. Jesus said in Matt. 5: 16, “Even so let your light shine before men; that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.” If you’re not sure of the work of the Father, one answer is found in John 6: 28-29, “28. They said therefore unto him, What must we do, that we may work the works of God? 29. Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent.”

Other works include the preaching and teaching of the gospel of Christ.

However, one problem that some people have is that they are too busy and not watching. In Mark 13: 33 Jesus said, “Take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is.” And again in Matt. 24: 42 and 25: 13, “Watch therefore: for ye know not on what day your Lord cometh…Watch therefore, for ye know not the day nor the hour.”

But the main problem with the above statement is the phrase, ‘Look busy’. This implies that we should pretend to be busy so that we look favorable in Jesus’ eyes. And what did He say in regard to this? “21. Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father who is in heaven. 22. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy by thy name, and by thy name cast out demons, and by thy name do many mighty works? 23. And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.” (Matt. 7: 21-23)

Basically everyone who is ‘looking busy’ will not enter into the Kingdom of Heaven. It will be those who actually do the work of the Lord that will find favor in His eyes and will hear those desired words, “Well done, good and faithful servant…enter thou into the joy of thy lord.” (Matt. 25: 21)