1. In the light of Jesus’ soon return, we should be Encouraging Other Believers
We are living in perilous times (as the Bible told us we would in the last days) and the speed and intensity of the convergence of things can become overwhelming at times. So, this is why Paul in his letter to the Thessalonians. exhorts them to encourage one another – not just nice little platitudes BUT with clear and true message of the Lord’s return ….
“For the Lord Himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. Therefore encourage one another with these words” (1 Thessalonians 4:16-180
2. We Should Be Sharing the Gospel – the Good News about Jesus!
As children of the King of Kings, we have been given a task to point others to Jesus. To make disciples. You may not be able to go into all the world (of nations), BUT your world may include your next-door neighbour who needs to get to know who Jesus is and what He has done for them and point them to Jesus, “… the Way, the Truth and the Life” (John 14:6)
There are ways one can do this even if one is house-bound or have limited resources and mobility. The important thing is to be obedient to the Lord’s commission in Matthew 28:19 – “Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” As His Word further teaches us “But in your hearts set Christ apart [as holy—acknowledging Him, giving Him first place in your lives] as Lord. Always be ready to give a [logical] defense to anyone who asks you to account for the hope and confident assurance [elicited by faith] that is within you, yet [do it] with gentleness and respect.” (1 Peter 3:15)
3. We should be living with Eager Expectancy
NEVER lose sight of the Lord’s imminent return. Some people mock the idea of His return, while others are eagerly waiting for that day when the Trumpet will sound!!
“Above all, you must understand that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires. They will say, “Where is this ‘coming’ he promised? Ever since our ancestors died, everything goes on as it has since the beginning of creation” “
(2 Peter 3:3-4) Remember this: “so also Christ was offered once for all time as a sacrifice to take away the sins of many people. He will come again, not to deal with our sins, but to bring salvation to all who are eagerly waiting for him.” (Hebrews 9:28). “And now the prize awaits me—the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on the day of his return. And the prize is not just for me but for all who eagerly look forward to his appearing.” (2 Timothy 4:8)
And Titus 2:11-13 says: “For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to everyone. It instructs us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live sensible, upright, and godly lives in the present age, as we await the blessed hope and glorious appearance of our great God and Saviour Jesus Christ”.
4. We need to be about our Father’s Business
“Soldiers don’t get tied up in the affairs of civilian life, for then they cannot please the officer who enlisted them. 5And athletes cannot win the prize unless they follow the rules.”
(2 Timothy 2:4-5)
Have you noticed just how easy it is to get distracted? Far too easy!
It is extremely easy (and a ploy of the enemy) to get distracted and caught up in things we should not be getting entangled with. Paul instructed Timothy in the verse referred to above, to stay focused and be sure to do what God requires him to do. This is what the Word teaches us today too – we must make very sure we don’t get caught up in things that we have no business doing and are not pleasing to God. What we DO need to DO is to ensure our lives are wrapped up in things that bring glory to God and that will draw people to Jesus! Our life should be all about pleasing the Lord, something we should all aspire to when our Jesus comes to catch us up to meet Him in the air.
5. In the light of His soon-return, we should always be Ready to Go!
There are many people – folk who call themselves Christians – who are of the opinion that prophecy is not important AND question why one should be preaching about the return of the Lord and the imminency of His return. Why is it so important?
Well, if one is not made aware of the fact that He is returning and that we need to be ready, it causes folk to drift and compromise and be drawn away by other winds of doctrine. Whereas, if one believes (as one should) that Jesus could return today (and He could), this should have an impact on how one lives and be ready when that trumpet sounds. In years gone by, the term “prayed up” was often used to describe how a Christ-follower should be living in the light of Jesus’ return. It simply meant walking in a right relationship with Jesus, living for Him -totally committed to Him, and allowing the Holy Spirit to help you do what God wants and thus ready to go when He comes. That requirement is still the same – be walking in step with Jesus!
Put differently, seeking to live a holy life, committed to doing His will and to obey Him. This should help you, no matter where you find yourself or what you are doing, to be dressed and ready to go when that trumpet sounds.
So then, in closing, I would like to encourage everyone to make sure you are living in such a way that if He comes today, you are prepared and raring to go!!
“Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour” (Matthew 25:13)
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