TESM
Two-Edged Sword Ministries
I'm sure there are many of us who have heard or said: "Why are people so concerned with the end times; surely the most important part is to preach the gospel and disciple one another?
The truth is, Jesus Himself, showed us that we are to look expectantly at His return. Matthew 25:13 is also often quoted; which says: “Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming!". Aha ... since we do not know the day or the hour; we don't need to know when the Lord is coming.
However; one easily misses out on the "watch" part; which incidently is the only verb in the scripture. The New testament is full of instructions of how we should live as Christians. Let us now consider a few:
The truth is, Jesus Himself, showed us that we are to look expectantly at His return. Matthew 25:13 is also often quoted; which says: “Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming!". Aha ... since we do not know the day or the hour; we don't need to know when the Lord is coming.
However; one easily misses out on the "watch" part; which incidently is the only verb in the scripture. The New testament is full of instructions of how we should live as Christians. Let us now consider a few:
“Behold, I am coming as a thief.
Blessed is he who watches,
and keeps his garments, lest he walk
naked and they see his shame.” Revelation 6:15 NKJV
“But take heed to yourselves, lest your hearts be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness, and cares of this life, and that Day come on you unexpectedly. For it will come as a snare on all those who dwell on the face of the whole earth.
Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be
counted worthy to escape all these things
that will come to pass, and to stand before the
Son of Man.” Luke 21:34-36 NKJV
These are really powerful scriptures that all point to what our attitude should be as to prophecies and the second coming of Christ. However; people should not get so concerned about the end times that they loose focus on their commission; that is, the basic instruction to go out and make disciples of the nations.
Jesus informs His disciples exactly of how they should treat both His return and what they do between this period. Matthew 25 describes the parable of the Bridegroom showing out attitude towards His return; and this is followed by the parable of the Talents. From these parables; we can see that whilst you should always watch for His coming; you must also employ your talents. It is when we watch for His return; that we are the most righteous.
This is probably one of the reasons why God did not declare the exact day and hour of His Sons' return; but left more than 3 500 scriptural prophecies that will help us know the season; so we don't fall asleep. This itself is confirmed by Paul, the Apostle:
Jesus informs His disciples exactly of how they should treat both His return and what they do between this period. Matthew 25 describes the parable of the Bridegroom showing out attitude towards His return; and this is followed by the parable of the Talents. From these parables; we can see that whilst you should always watch for His coming; you must also employ your talents. It is when we watch for His return; that we are the most righteous.
This is probably one of the reasons why God did not declare the exact day and hour of His Sons' return; but left more than 3 500 scriptural prophecies that will help us know the season; so we don't fall asleep. This itself is confirmed by Paul, the Apostle:
But you, brethren, are not in darkness, so that this Day should overtake you as a thief.
[1 Thessalonions 5:4 NKJV]
[1 Thessalonions 5:4 NKJV]
Two-Edged Sword Ministries - South Africa
Copyright © May 2003 [ T.E.S. Ministries ]
All rights reserved.
First revision, November 2006 [2.0]
Second Revision: March, 2009 [3.0]
All rights reserved.
First revision, November 2006 [2.0]
Second Revision: March, 2009 [3.0]