Watch For His Return

There will always be a fascination with the end times. There will be
those who study every detail of scripture in an attempt to pinpoint a
date and those who simply believe the end is near because of our
current moral decay. Debates will continue about when Christ will
return for His Church and exactly what signs will precede this
wonderful event. Unfortunately, these debates often become heated
and turn our attention away from the One who has promised to return.

Questions concerning the end times are not new. Two thousand years
ago, the disciples asked Jesus: "What will be the signs of Your
coming and of the end of the age?" (Matthew 24:3). Jesus answered
the question directly and in several parables, but His basic message
was: "You also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an
hour when you do not expect Him" (Matthew 24:44).

There's nothing fundamentally wrong with discussing the end
times. The return of Jesus Christ is our "blessed hope" (Titus
2:13). We are encouraged to live as those "who have longed for His
appearing" (2 Timothy 4:8). But we should never allow our
discussions to lead us into "foolish and stupid arguments" (2 Timothy
2:23). Though the scholars may not agree about all the details, one
fact is unanimously proclaimed: "He's coming back!"

Mark 13:35-37
"Therefore keep watch because you do not know when the owner of the
house will come back - whether in the evening, or at midnight, or
when the rooster crows, or at dawn. If he comes suddenly, do not let
him find you sleeping. What I say to you, I say to everyone: 'Watch!'"

Are we ready for the Owner of the House to return? We can't afford
to wait for that next promotion or for the kids to grow, we must wake
up and be prepared today! We can't wait for our house to be built to
our satisfaction before we dedicate it to the service of the Lord, we
must give our all and serve the One who gave His life so we could
live...today!!

If the end of our time on earth were to occur tomorrow, did our
thoughts, words, and deeds for today bring glory and honor to our
Heavenly Father? If the answer is no, we need to do some changing -
we need to arise from our Spiritual slumber and clean house. For
what is the purpose of our being allowed to walk this earth if not to
bring Him glory?

The study and discussion of end times should cause us to praise God
for His victory over evil. Our understanding of the end times should
cause us to walk in reverent obedience and help us to fight the pulls
of the world. Let's not be caught sleeping. Rather, let's look
forward with great anticipation and commit to being prepared. Let's
draw near to God in all we do and watch for His return.

Have a Great Day!

Steve Troxel
God's Daily Word Ministries

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Scripture references: The Holy Bible: New International Version.
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