Thursday: Keeping Watch
The second coming of Jesus is the culmination of all Christian hopes; it is the fulfillment of all that we have been promised. Without it—what? We would rot in the ground after death just as everyone else does. Without the Second Coming and all that it entails, everything else about our faith becomes a lie, a farce, everything that the critics and opponents have claimed against it.
Image © Lars Justinen from GoodSalt.com
No wonder, then, that in eager anticipation of His return, some Christians have set dates for His return. After all, so much hinges on that return. Of course, as we know, every past date set for the return of Christ has been wrong.
How does Matthew 24:36, Matthew 24:42 explain why date setters get it wrong?
Precisely because we don’t know when Christ will return, we are told that we must be ready and that we must “keep watch.”
Read Matthew 24:42-51. What is Jesus saying here about what it means to keep watch and to be ready for the Second Advent?
Jesus is clear: we do not know when He is going to come back. In fact, He’s coming when we don’t expect Him. So we need always to be ready for Him when He does come back. We need to live as if He could come back anytime, even if we don’t know when. The thinking that, Well, He isn’t coming back for a long time; so, I can do as my heart desires is precisely the attitude that Jesus is warning against. We should seek to be faithful because we love the Lord and want to do what is right by Him, regardless of when He returns. Besides, too, with all the texts that warn about judgment, especially against those who treat others badly, the timing of the Second Coming doesn’t really matter. Sooner or later, judgment will come.
| As Seventh-day Adventists who have long believed in Christ’s return, how can we make sure we don’t make the mistake, even if only in a subtle way, of this “evil servant”? |
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If SDA members perform what is in 2 Chron 7:14, stop being Laodicean, and repent of carnal, worldly behavior....what are they going to do with all of that free time (hours) that was spent on activities/behavior that was not for genuine Christians?
When one is "in love" with Christ, there is so much good to do in the service of Salvation for lost souls. In the excitement of working with the Savior, every moment is filled with holy, active joy in saving others in the Savior's footsteps. In such fulfilment there is no dull moment (no dull "free" time).
I would imagine that "free time" is not a major problem
in many minds. What is a major problem, is the getting ready. Some will debate over what the need is. To be ready or to get ready. Which is it in each ones mind? The answer may not be conclusive.
When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest, and findeth none.
Then he saith, I will return into my house from whence I came out; and when he is come, he findeth it empty, swept, and garnished.
Then goeth he, and taketh with himself seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter in and dwell there: and the last state of that man is worse than the first. Even so shall it be also unto this wicked generation.
Matt 12:43-45
2 Chron 7:14 *if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land". So the 'free time' can be used fot seeking God in prayer. God promises to heal our land, in this case, our hearts,and forgive us if we repent.
What i have also learnt from the book of Matthew is to worry about my own spiritual state, before showing concern about the 'othee hypocrite'. Because, i could be found guilty of the same. Jesus was not joking when he said; 'judge not'.
May God help us to be ready for His coming. Hymn 604 SDA Hymnal;
Verse 1
We know not the hour of the Master's appearing;
Yet signs all foretell that the moment is nearing
When He shall return 'tis a promise most cheering
But we know not the hour.
Verse 2
There's light for the wise who are seeking salvation;
There's truth in the book of the Lord's revelation;
Each prophecy points to the great consummation
But we know not the hour.
Verse 3
We'll watch and we'll pray, with our lamps trimmed and burning;
We'll work and we'll wait till the Master's returning;
We'll sing and rejoice, every omen discerning
But we know not the hour.
Refrain
He will come, let us watch and be ready;
He will come, hallelujah! hallelujah!
He will come in the clouds of His Father's bright glory but we know not the hour
While we do not know the time of our Lords returning, who also do not know how long we are given to live on this earth. like the disciples let us live as if Christ will come in our life time, and share the gospel message with urgency. We can only praise our God whilst we have breath, after which time our probation is up.
Last day christians will manifest the Christlike standard all other chriastians in all ages strove to atain. With such high stds do we compare and justify our actions to the standards of previous christians ? Our standard is Christ not Abraham or David.
I believe the time to be ready is now as the bible says , jesus is coming and he is coming QUICKLY , we dont know the minute ,the hour or nor the day , its my prayer that we who heard the word of the lord and even those that haven t heard it anyway or other : May the lord have mercy in us to have part in the new kingdom ,i pray
Without the promise of the second coming, nothing in this world has meaning, starting with the laws. If we keep the laws then what???
So we thank God for the promise of the second coming of Jesus, Seeing Jesus on the clouds, because it turns everything to a normal mission.
Our problem is that we know so much hence we take a word of God for granted, We need that first love we had when we received truth about salvation and live as if Jesus is coming this evening.
We have to watch and pray, we also have to keep in mind that Christ is interceding for us in the most holy place of the sanctuary right now. We do not know when our names will be called and if our names are called and we are found wanting our destinies will be set. May the Lord help us to watch and pray and not to get distracted.
Esther
It is time to get serious about our service for God! He is coming soon and we need to be ready. In doing so, we are to be anxiously going about the fathers's business, getting others to accept the gift Jesus offers! Eternal life is available to all, and time is running out! we need to get busy inviting others to come before its too late! The signs are all around us. Don't get weary saints! your reward is sure!
Why should I watch because the Lord may come at an unexpected time? (Matthew 24:42-51) Shouldn't I be "watching" just because I love the Master? I mean, a loving husband doesn't refrain from committing adultery because his wife might find out.
Isaiah 30:15. Read it, it says we find rest in the Lord God, if we turn to Him. The interpretation of that rest found in Jesus, is found in labor for him. Here is the full context.
"This rest is not found in inactivity; for in the Saviour's invitation the promise of rest is united with the call to labor: "Take My yoke upon you: . . . and ye shall find rest." Matthew 11:29. The heart that rests most fully upon Christ will be most earnest and active in labor for Him."{SC 71.1}
Now our King and Lord of Lords is coming soon which should prompt us to take heed of His word in. Mathew 24:44.
When we are occupied in His rest, we have no need for date setting. He will come when every one has had a chance to learn of Him. You may have seen the latest mission spot light. "We are making progress, but there are billions who have not heard the name of Jesus yet, especially in the 20-40 window." Even so Lord Jesus may we find rest in you.
"Those who watch for the Lord's coming are not waiting in idle expectancy. The expectation of Christ's coming is to make men fear the Lord, and fear His judgments upon transgression. It is to awaken them to the great sin of rejecting His offers of mercy. Those who are watching for the Lord are purifying their souls by obedience to the truth. With vigilant watching they combine earnest working. Because they know that the Lord is at the door, their zeal is quickened to co-operate with the divine intelligences in working for the salvation of souls. These are the faithful and wise servants who give to the Lord's household “their portion of meat in due season.” Luke 12:42. They are declaring the truth that is now specially applicable. As Enoch, Noah, Abraham, and Moses each declared the truth for his time, so will Christ's servants now give the special warning for their generation." DA 634