As we transition through a global health crisis, to a time of civil unrest, to a world that just seems upside down, I can’t help but repeat to myself, “I wait in joyful hope for the coming of our savior Jesus Christ.” Sounds like I’m looking for the perfect out… right?
I’ve always been a person who looked forward to the day when Jesus would “catch us away” as we read in 1 Thessalonians 4:16-18. The great catching away of the saints is an event I learned about and clung to my whole adult life. Jesus said we should look with anticipation of this time when we will be caught up to meet Him in the air, along with those who went before us that have died in Christ. And in a twinkling of an eye, we will be changed! (That glorified body we are promised is lookin’ pretty good to me!)
But, as surely as that event seems imminent (and boy, does it!) – simply based on what I see going on in the world – I must reflect, how am I waiting on God?
Am I waiting, when I should be wading? Am I standing by, Bible in hand, looking to the sky, expecting Jesus to walk out of a cloud with a great shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet call of God? Or am I immersed in Him... wading?
As I researched the term wading, it generally talks of fishermen thigh-high in water, likely a stream, which is moving. He will be geared up in waders, which are water-resistant pants with a bib. Waders keep a fisherman dry, comfortable, and definitely at an advantage to catch fish. One site said, “Waders keep you dry, comfortable, and on the water longer.” And these three things make you a better fisherman!
I had a thought. Can I wade in Jesus? Actively bringing souls to His Kingdom?
In Jeremiah 2:13 and 17:13, the prophet describes God as "the spring of living water." If waders make you a better fisherman, and Jesus is a spring of living water, wouldn’t that perfectly answer the call Jesus asked His disciples to? Becoming fishers of men?
So when the Lord appears with a great shout, will I be considered a waiter or a wader?
I will be a wader. As I wade, immersed in living water, moving and stirred by the Spirit of the living God, I’m more likely to be a better fisher of men. So on that day when we are caught up to forever be with the Lord, I can be assured that because I waded, many of my brothers and sisters in Christ will be caught up too!