ThursdaySeptember 25 Watch and Be Ready Whyis it crucial for us always to watch and be ready for Jesus’ coming?See Matt. 24:42, 44. The keynote of Jesus’ prophetic sermon is the imperative towatch, to be on alert. It doesn’t mean to wait idly but to be actively vigilant, as is the owner of a house who remains diligent against any potential thief( Matt. 24:43). While watchfully waiting, we have a work to do, as did the faithful servant who carries out the tasks his master entrusted to him during the master’s absence( Matt. 24:45, Mark 13:34-37). Whatattitude would be fatal for us who claim to believe in the second advent of Jesus?See Matt. 24:48-51; Luke 21:34-35.How can we avoid falling into that attitude? Why is the error so easy to do if we are not careful? The parable of the evil servant is very sobering, especially for us as Seventh-day Adventists. This servant represents those who profess to believe that Christ will come again, but not immediately. Believing that the Lord is delayed, they think they still have time to live selfishly and indulge in sinful pleasures because, surely, there will be plenty of time to prepare for the Second Coming. Unfortunately, this idea is a deadly trap, because no one knows when Jesus will come. Moreover, even if Christ doesn’t come yet, any one of us could be called to rest unexpectedly, suddenly ending our opportunity to make things right with God. But above all, repeated indulgence in sin gradually hardens and desensitizes the conscience so that it becomes more difficult to repent. The devil doesn’t care that we believe theoretically in the second coming of Jesus, as long as he can make us postpone our preparation for it. How can we be ready today? By repenting and by confessing our unconfessed sin to Jesus, by renewing our faith in His expiatory death on the cross for us, and by surrendering our wills totally to Him. Walking in communion with Him, we can enjoy the deep peace of being covered by His robe of righteousness. How much do you think about the Second Coming? How much of its reality impacts your life? How do we strike the right balance in going about our daily work and yet living in anticipation of Christ’s return?
Posted on: Thu, 25 Sep 2014 05:44:06 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015