Thursday, February 6

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2014

Exodus 23:14–25:40

Matthew 24:29–51

Psalm 30:1–12

Proverbs 7:24–27

 

 

“Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come.  But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what time of night the thief was coming, he would have kept watch and would not have let his house be broken into.  So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.” (Matthew 24:42–44)

 

After providing a stark and severe image of tribulation, Jesus discusses His certain return in Matthew 24:36–50.  He explains that “no one” has foreknowledge of the end of days:  “not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.”  Just as the world appeared ignorant and foolish in the time of Noah, so will those who have not heeded the Lord’s call to repent and to follow Him.

 

According to Jesus, our life situation will prove neither an impediment nor a help for being receiving into the Lord’s presence:  “Two men will be in the field; one will be taken, and the other left.  Two women will be grinding with a hand mill; one will be taken, and the other left.” (vv. 40,41)  In our human fleshliness, we may be tempted to rely upon our own “goodness” or in the outward blessings with which God has bestowed us.  Yet, only through an inner heart transformation and trusting in Christ alone may we become acceptable, righteous, and blameless in the Father’s eyes.

 

Jesus urges His followers to remain vigilant.  Since the day and hour of His imminent return are unknown, we may live in a humble fear and reverence of God’s awesome power and omniscience.  We often hear about how people who face terminal diagnoses allocate their time differently and more intentionally than those who expect to live forever.  Likewise, focusing on our calling to witness to the truth of the Word and the Gospel, the apostle Paul encourages us to “be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity.  Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.” (Colossians 4:5,6)

 

Graciously, God has not abandoned us to our own devices in remaining vigilant.  He has given us the promises of the Word as hope for the future and strength for today.  He has revealed the full extent of His love and compassion through the living Christ, Who demonstrated humility and sacrifice through His earthly life and self-sacrifice.  God has sent the Holy Spirit to dwell within every believer, empowering them to “live lives worthy of God, who calls you into His kingdom and glory.” (1 Thessalonians 2:12)  The Spirit fulfills God’s promise in Psalm 32:8:  “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go;/ I will counsel you and watch over you.”

 

How may we look reverently to the great coming Day when Jesus will be revealed in all His glory?  Turning back to Colossians 4:2, Paul explains that we ought to “devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.”  Please consider those two descriptors.  In our prayer, we may express thanks for His provision and answers, but we stay watchful, recognizing our smallness in light of His majesty.

 

Many other passages of Scripture describe God’s servants as praying watchmen, in Whom they find security and rest:

 

1.       “O my Strength, I watch for You; You, O God, are my fortress.” (Psalm 59:9)

2.       “But as for me, I watch in hope for the Lord; I wait for God my Savior.  My God will hear me.” (Micah 7:7)

3.       “I will stand at my watch and station myself on the ramparts; I will look to see what He will say to me, and what answer I am to give to this complaint?” (Habakkuk 2:1)

 

 

In what ways are you standing watch today?  Whom could you ask to stand watch with you so that you may both have and be a partner to run the race with perseverance?  How may you find hope in today’s promise of tomorrow’s redemption and the imminent revelation of Christ’s glory?

 

Lord Jesus, we thank You for Your imminent return.  We trust in Your lovingkindness but wish to remain watchful so that we may honor You in our specific life situation.  Bring to mind where we could become more vigilant and more aware of Your awesome power and wisdom.  Give us discerning hearts, to make the most of each opportunity.  Send Your Holy Spirit, that we might be a reflection of Your grace and glory in a hurting world.  In Christ’s Name, amen.

________________________________________
1) Blog:                  http://bit.ly/rV1Cw1

2) Facebook:        http://on.fb.me/tc6jkS