Our Friend, the Policeman

As I pulled into the church building parking lot this morning, I saw a police vehicle sitting at the far exit. We often have motorists traveling at a high rate of speed going past our building, and I thought he was likely observing traffic for signs of such hooliganry. I did not want to distract him from his efforts, so I entered the church building and greeted our secretary, asking her, “Did you see our friend out there?” We exchanged thoughts about what he might be up to, then carried on with our respective work.

If I knew I had outstanding warrants for my arrest, my response would likely have been far different. Guilt, worry, fear, panic, all of them and likely more would have immediately and aggressively pressed in from all directions, and comfort would have been far away, whether he was there for me or not.

Proverbs 28:1 says, “The wicked flee when no one is pursuing, but the righteous are bold as a lion.” When I saw the police vehicle waiting at my workplace, I never thought it was there for me. No adrenaline shot through my body, no fight or flight response kicked in. There was curiosity and a kind of comfort, but no worry that I would be arrested or any such thing, because I am not living in violation of the law.

When Jesus returns and the judgment day arrives, the way you and I have lived will determine how we meet Him and what His presence means for us. 1 John 2:28 says, “Now, little children, abide in Him, so that when He appears, we may have confidence and not shrink away from Him in shame at His coming.” How will you meet Jesus, and how would you respond if He surprised you where you are today?