Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today- June 3, 2011
“But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.” Matthew 24:36
No one knows when Jesus will return–we know He will, but we don’t know when. He came the first time as a suffering Servant to save the world of their sin and He will come a second time as the reigning King over all. He ascended from the world in a blaze of glory, while promising to descend one day in that same glory. Jesus’ estimated time of arrival is a divine secret reserved for the Lord God Almighty.
In fact, Jesus will return when we do not expect Him to return. The Almighty’s ambiguity about the second coming of Christ is meant to move us to faith and action. It is vain to speculate about something that we are incapable of knowing—instead this mystery is a test of our faithfulness until He comes, or until we go to be with Him. Predicting the date of Christ’s return distracts foolish prognosticators, whose pride misses the point.
“Command certain people not to teach false doctrines any longer… Such things promote controversial speculations rather than advancing God’s work—which is by faith” (1 Timothy 1:3b, 4b).
But there are benefits to a sense of urgency around the second coming of Christ. It keeps us from complacency and from getting caught up in the culture. The Lord does want us engaged in the eternal and not on the earthly—He wants to catch us being obedient, motivated by love for Him and people. Wise actions accompany a faith seeking soul.
The Almighty wants you occupied until He comes—occupied that is—on His agenda. As a Kingdom builder for Christ, pray each day how and where He wants your brick of belief to be placed for His glory. Fear will only frustrate you to flail about, or paralyze you in complacency. Instead, use your God-given talent and trust Him to achieve great things.
“He [Jesus] said therefore, A certain nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom, and to return. And he called his ten servants, and delivered them ten pounds, and said unto them, Occupy till I come” (Luke 19:12-13. KJV).
Replace retirement worries with reallocation of your time in service that leads to righteous outcomes. Steward your health, family, finances, faith, relationships, time, gifts and skills as a conscientious manager for your Master Jesus. You are the bride of Christ waiting patiently at the altar of love and obedience—this is no secret with your Savior.
“After a long time the master of those servants returned and settled accounts with them. The man who had received five bags of gold brought the other five. ‘Master,’ he said, ‘you entrusted me with five bags of gold. See, I have gained five more.’ “His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness” (Matthew 25:19-21).
How would the Lord have me occupy my time, as I prayerfully wait on His return?
Related Readings: Zechariah 9:14; 1 Corinthians 15:52; 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11
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