Tag: no day or hour
“Stay Awake”
Scripture reading for February 26: Mark 13
“”But concerning that day or that hour, no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Be on guard, keep awake. For you do not know when the time will come. It is like a man going on a journey, when he leaves home and puts his servants in charge, each with his work, and commands the door-keeper to stay awake. Therefore stay awake--for you do not know when the master of the house will come, in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or in the morning–lest he come suddenly and find you asleep. And what I say to you I say to all: Stay awake.” Mark 13:32-37
Everyone likes to know the future if possible. For example, if we knew what was going to happen in the stock market tomorrow, we could invest and make a fortune. If we knew what numbers were going to be called in the mega-lottery jackpot, we could cash in big time. If we knew when our time on earth was up, we could make the changes and preparations for those left behind and for our future. But the Scripture and very words of Jesus do tell us about what is coming in the future and how to prepare and cash in!
Jesus answered His disciples question of “when will these things take place?”. He told them plainly that no one knew that answer except God the Father. That was followed with a warning, “Keep awake.” He told them it was like a master leaving on a journey and putting servants in charge of his work and property telling them “Stay awake.” They would not know the time of his return. He would likely come suddenly at a time when they were not expecting. Woe if the master found his servants asleep! Jesus then applied these illustrations to all: “Stay awake.”
Have you seriously considered the message that Jesus is sharing with His disciples and us today? How would you evaluate your readiness for the time of Jesus’ return? Would Jesus be pleased with your work as His steward with your talents and property?
Prayer: Father God, thank You for this stimulating teaching concerning the time of Jesus’ return. I don’t want to be found sleeping instead of caring for Your property and Your mission to save lost people. Continue to use me to call out to those asleep or dozing. May all be ready and watching! Amen.
Beware! Be Ready!
Scripture reading for October 13th: Matthew 24-25
These chapters of Matthew contain the last major teaching of Jesus to his disciples as recorded by this Gospel writer. Jesus remarked to His disciples about how not one stone would be left upon another at the temple. “Tell us,” they said, “when will this happen and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?” Jesus answered: “Watch out that no one deceives you. For many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will deceive many.” (Matthew 24:2-5)
It appears that deception will be a mark of the last days before the return of Jesus Christ. The world we live in today is full of counterfeit religions and numerous cults that claim that they are the only way to God. Even in the church, there are numerous false teachers who are deceptive and seductive. In addition, there are other signs of the end of the age mentioned by Jesus. He pointed to wars and rumors of wars among the nations. There will also be famines and earthquakes in numerous places and the world will be in great distress. Persecution of Christians will result in the death of the saints and betrayal and hatred toward God’s people will be common. Many will turn away from following Jesus and their love for God will grow cold. (Matthew 24:6-13)
As far as when this will take place, Jesus had a different warning. There will surely be much deception and false teachers will abound, but Jesus emphatically taught that no one will know the day or hour of His return. (Matthew 24:36) It will be like the days of Noah when the flood came suddenly and swept the world of that time away. It will be like a thief coming to a house suddenly at night. It will be like a master coming back to find his servant neglecting his duties and doing evil. The point of these illustrations is that each person must be in a state of readiness at all times. Jesus is coming back at a time when we least expect it.
To illustrate this point, Jesus then told two parables. The first, which we will discuss, was about the ten virgins waiting for the bridegroom. The virgins consisted of five who were foolish and five others who were wise. The foolish ones took their lamps, but did not take any oil for them. The wise took oil along for their lamps and were ready. The bridegroom was delayed and they all fell asleep. The midnight cry woke them up to prepare for his arrival. Only the wise were prepared and got to go with the bridegroom to the wedding feast. The foolish were late and missed the party!
Our Lord just emphasized the need to be read and prepared for the immanent coming of our Bridegroom, Jesus Christ. He could come at any time. Are you prepared? Is your lamp burning bright and have you purchased plenty of oil? May the truth of this message cause faith to arise to get ready!