Lessons from Matthew 24: Watchful Readiness for Christ’s Return
In answer to the disciples’ questions as to when all of this will take place, Jesus said in verse 36 that no one knows the day or the hour. Not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.
Jesus said that as in the days of Noah, before the flood, the people knew nothing. They continued in their sin-filled lives. They had not a care for God, the things of God, nor the people of God. Only Noah and his family cared to consider God and obey His Word.
And so it will be for those who live in the same way today. They will go on with living their lives as they please. But there will come a day, a day when no one is paying attention, a day when they least expect it.
Therefore Jesus said, in verse 42, to keep watch because we do not know the day or hour that He will come.
Like a Thief
Just like a thief who comes to rob and no one is aware, the Son of Man will come. And what He will find is one working alongside the other, living life as usual.
Anything but the usual will happen, though. For He will gather up His own and take them home with Him to His holy heaven. And He will put them to work (verse 47)!
But for those who are left behind, they will face their final judgment and they will have secured their final destination because they refused to believe. Though the truth had gone out, they refused to take it to heart.
They chose to deny Christ and live for themselves. Therefore, they will spend eternity separated from God, from the things of God and the people of God!
Our responsibility as Christians is to continue in the ways of the Lord. Continue to read and study and live out His gospel truths. Continue to watch and pray and continue to be about our Father’s business. This is no time to take a back seat and enjoy the ride.
Lives are at stake here, maybe even the lives of many of your loved ones. So let’s get up and get going with what God is calling us to do! For in it you can trust Him to provide all you need.
Christians are to be watchful, ready, and serving as Christ returns!
But that time has not yet happened, and so in the meantime you and I have been called and commissioned by God to go into the world. Or at least the world we live in and teach and preach the gospel. That is what this life is all about!
So what are you willing to do for God and for His kingdom? Who is it that needs to hear these truths?
And what are you willing to risk to hold out the word of God to others?
Maybe it’s your “me” time, maybe it’s your TV time, or Facebook time or gym time, or your lunch time, that you might, as Matthew 6:33 says,
“Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”
When we put God as our first priority, we give Him the honor due His name. And when we serve Him as He calls, we fulfill our purpose as Christians here on earth.
Yet when we do these things, others will be bothered by it. They will hate us and our message of salvation through Jesus Christ. It’s a given!
We are to persevere through, until the end, the end of our lives or the end of this age, whichever comes first!
Terri Hamman
Faith & Fitness Coach