Years ago, an acquaintance of the writer's had a dog, which evidently knew, after a long absence of his master, when his return was approaching. Again and again he would run to the garden gate, look down the road, and return with a whine of disappointment; or he would jump on a chair and, looking out of the window, rehearse his welcome in a bark. And this was kept up until his master's arrival.
But how did he know that his master's return was drawing nigh? He saw certain preparations going on; cleaning of rooms, airing of beds, etc., and had learned on previous occasions what this meant.
So with those who love the Lord's appearing; who rejoice to think of the day when all the earth shall gladly bow to His scepter, and "everything that hath breath" shall praise His name. They are plainly told in Scripture what will precede, and lead up to, "that day." Hence the more such characteristics become apparent, the more clearly can they "see the day approaching."
Preparations in the house referred to were entirely for the comfort and good pleasure of the expected master, but in connection with the day of the Lord there are evidences of its approach to which our illustration as it stands would hardly apply-activities of another order, prompted by other motives; not the desire for, or joyful expectation of, His coming, but through an evil, self-gratifying wish that He would delay His coming.
But suppose, during this said master's long absence, that the management of his estate had been allowed to lapse into gross disorder through the unfaithfulness of the majority of his servants, and only a few standing loyal to his wishes. Suppose, further, he had written to say that, when things had reached the last extremity of confusion, he would return, deal with the rebellious, and take the management into his own hands; but that before making his appearance publicly, before all, he would, on landing, summon his loyal servants to meet him at the port, go into their matters first, and then return with them to the estate. This would better set forth what will actually occur in connection with the Lord's coming for us and our subsequent appearing with Him.