[W]hen the Son of Man comes, will He really find faith on the earth?
Luke 18:8b
When Jesus returns, what will He be looking for? People with great knowledge of the Bible? People who keep the Sabbath or meet faithfully every Sunday? People who don’t eat pork, shrimp or ice cream? People who have “made a decision for Christ?” People who have the “right” doctrine? People who live holy and blameless lives? I’m sure He will find these things, but it is not what He is looking for.
He will be looking for faith, people who trust in Him as a child.
A child fully trusts his parents. He doesn’t question their words [until he decides to test his parents’ love]. He doesn’t worry about where his next meal will come from. He responds to discipline. He has no doubt of his parents’ righteousness. He is secure in his parents’ love for him. There is no fear in his life. We need to be the same way toward our heavenly father. He is more loving than any parent could be.
Jesus will be looking for people who don’t worry about their lives, what they will eat or drink or wear. They know their heavenly father loves them and provides for them. They don’t worry about tomorrow. It is enough to live today. They are not looking for an antichrist or the battle of Armageddon. Instead, they are watching for the return of their master. They are listening for His voice. When He speaks, they obey. When He appears, they will be ready because they had done what He had told them to do.
Are you afraid of tomorrow? You have no faith. Are you afraid of dying in the storm? You have little faith. Jesus tells us not to be afraid. He is in control because He is the first and the last. He encompasses everything. He has overcome everything. And He loves us more than we can comprehend.
It is impossible to please God without faith. Nothing else will please Him. Holy conduct, right doctrine, proper diet, modest clothing, etc. will not please the Father. These things are good, but until the foundation of faith is laid, they are merely good works.
So, If faith is what Jesus will be looking for, lay aside every hindrance that keeps you from living by faith.
But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.
Hebrews 11:6
Now the just shall live by faith.
Hebrews 10:38
Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.
I John 5:14