The Watchful Heart: Readiness and the Second Coming

The anticipation is a holy weight, isn’t it? The knowledge that the Lord’s return is a certainty, yet its timing remains veiled. The song, “When He Comes Again,” captures that poignant tension—the wondering, the hoping, the earnest desire to be found worthy. It isn’t a passive longing, though. It’s a call to action, a summons to a life of purposeful preparation.

The lyrics, “I wonder when he comes again,” aren’t simply about curiosity. They are a reflection of a deeper inquiry: Am I living in such a way that I will recognize Him? Will the herald angels’ song be music to my ears, or a lament for opportunities missed? Will the snow-covered earth reflect the purity of my heart, or the chill of indifference?

The Savior’s words in Matthew 24:42-44 resonate powerfully: “Watch therefore; for ye know not on what day your Lord cometh. For the Lord cometh as a thief in the night. Wherefore be ye ready also: for in such an hour as ye think he cometh, he will come.” This isn’t merely a warning against complacency; it’s a directive to cultivate a state of perpetual readiness. That readiness isn't about stockpiling provisions, though a prudent steward always prepares. It’s about aligning our hearts and actions with His will. It's about sharpening our spiritual senses, so that when He does come, we are not caught unawares, feasting on the cares of the world.

The Simple Act of ‘Seeking’

The image of the Savior gathering “his little ones together around his knees” is profoundly comforting. It speaks of intimacy, of discipleship, of a relationship built on trust and obedience. It reminds us that preparedness isn’t about grand gestures, but about consistently seeking Him. The phrase “suffer them to come unto me” (Matthew 18:4) is a command—a sacred invitation to prioritize the things of eternity.

Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf, in his General Conference address, “Your Best Days Are Ahead,” emphasized the importance of focusing on the eternal perspective. He spoke of the deceptive nature of worldly distractions and the need to actively choose to “seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness.” (Matthew 6:33) This isn’t a passive pursuit; it demands deliberate effort, a conscious redirection of our time and energy.

The Light Within

The song’s refrain, “Each day I’ll try to do his will and let my light so shine that others seeing me may seek for greater light divine,” is a testament to the power of personal example. It acknowledges the ongoing nature of the journey—the daily striving to overcome imperfections and embody the Christlike attributes we are commanded to cultivate. It’s a recognition that our actions speak louder than words, and that our lives are a beacon to those who are searching.

President Russell M. Nelson has repeatedly urged us to “hear Him.” To truly hear Him requires more than just attending meetings and reading scriptures; it requires a deliberate effort to cultivate sensitivity to the Spirit. It requires silencing the noise of the world and opening our hearts to His guidance. It requires, fundamentally, a watchful heart.

Let us not be defined by our anxieties about the timing of His return, but by the steadfastness of our commitment to prepare ourselves. Let us strive to be among those who, upon His arrival, can confidently declare, “Even so, come, Lord Jesus!” (Revelation 22:20)

What practical steps are *you* taking today to cultivate that readiness? Consider the counsel of the prophets regarding personal revelation and diligent scripture study. What areas in your life require further alignment with the Lord’s will?