I was in the church building one weekday afternoon when I heard a dog begin to bark outside. Curiosity got the best of me, so I stuck my head out the door to see what was going on. I saw a dog, not much more than a puppy, tied up to a pole on the church’s volleyball court. There was no human being in sight. The little dog was straining at his leash, staring intently at the grocery store next door. His bark was as steady as his gaze.

Apparently, the dog’s owner had taken him for a walk to the store, and left him tied up outside while he went in to make a purchase. While the dog was not in distress, it was evident that he was anxiously awaiting something. His attention was focused on the promise of his master’s return.

This reminded me of the way we are supposed to be anticipating the return of Jesus. He urges us to be ready, watching and waiting for our Master to come back for us. He says in Matthew 24:42, “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come.”

One way we can remain focused on the return of Jesus is by faithfully participating in the Lord’s Supper. 1 Corinthians 11:26 says, “For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.”