READ: Matthew
24
There are so many reasons to love God! One such reason is that He
prepares us for what’s to come. Matthew 24 is a chapter where Jesus lays out
the process leading up to His return, the “signs”. We certainly can take
interest in the details of what God lays out in this chapter and in the other
end times’ passages through the Bible. We might even become fascinated by them!
However, and this is VERY important –
we must ask: in light of these details, with the knowledge of what’s to come,
how does Jesus advise that we prepare and respond?
Thankfully, we are told! Praise God! One of the key words is to “watch”,
or the two words, “watch out”. We must watch out for deceptions. We must watch
for the signs. We must even expect persecution! We must guard against being
offended by Jesus when He allows false christs and prophets to rise up. We must
be aware that Jesus’ return will be very obvious. The very earth and heavens
will be shaken. It is also wise for us to consider these things in the context
of other passages of Scripture that speak of the end times. A “watchful”
Christian is one who knows the Bible, spends much time in prayer and is keeping
their relationship with Jesus strong. As Jesus says, “heaven and earth will
pass away, but my words will never pass away.” He is the only thing (person
really!) that is solid enough to hold on to as the end approaches.
We can also prepare by being a “faithful and wise servant”. Will Jesus
find us doing his work when he returns? Our world is full of distractions,
greed, entertainment, gluttony, self-gratification and much more. Jesus asks
the employer, the employee, the husband, the wife, the parent, the child, the
pastor, the church volunteers, the politician, the elderly, the teenager, the
middle-aged, the same question – have we been faithful and wise in furthering
His kingdom? We don’t want to leave the answer to this question until He
returns. Then it will be too late and some will be assigned, “a place with the
hypocrites, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”
The day and hour is unknown. Right up to that time, people will be
engaged in normal activities. Will we be ready, on watch? This is the question
Jesus wants us to answer in response to Matthew 24.
JOURNALING
AND PRAYER
1.
Do you feel that you have enough knowledge about what God’s Word says
about what’s to come? Make a commitment to either take a course or read all of
the Scriptures on the end times, or both. Ask God to give you discernment, day
by day, as you prepare for His return.
2.
Do you find that you have a regular pattern of considering what’s to
come? Take a look at your schedule. Are you connecting with God? Are you in His
Word? Do you think about eternity? Reflect on and pray about any changes that
may need to be made. Praise God for any past growth in these things.
3.
Do some listening prayer – would you be described as a faithful and wise
servant? Ask God to affirm you where you’ve been doing well! Thank Him for His
power in these things. Then ask Him – where have you been unfaithful or
self-serving? Take some time to confess and commit to a new path in these
areas.
