“Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.” Matthew 24:13
Dear Ones:
When the Apostle Paul was writing Timothy, his “son in the faith,” he spoke to him concerning his calling and responsibility. That “charge” was often mentioned in the context of “…the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Tim. 6:14) In his second letter to Timothy, he wrote: “I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the living and the dead AT HIS APPEARING and His kingdom, Preach the word.” (2 Tim.4:1) Later in this same letter, he would speak of a “crown of righteousness, which the righteous judge, shall give me AT THAT DAY: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love HIS APPEARING.” (4:8) Why did the Apostle live in the light of the Lord’s coming, and specifically His appearing? It was because he had a vision of that which was eternal, or rather, Someone, who was eternal. There is in that hope of Christ’s coming, based upon the promise of God, all that pertains to meaning, purpose, and worth in life. There is also in that promise, whether realized by the Lord’s appearance, or the believer’s appearance at death in His presence, the realization of an eternal hope, a certainty of promise. Faith will become sight, we shall be changed, for we shall see Him as He is. There is another reason for which Christ’s coming is so very significant. It has to do with the responsible response to the opportunity at hand on this earth, to BE faithful to Him, fruitful FOR Him.
When the Apostle Paul wrote the letter to the Galatians, he wrote concerning the truth, and certainty, of the love of God for him: “…(He) gave Himself FOR ME.” (2:20) There was in that declaration the revelation of a bond of devotion, in response to an eternal love, that would go to the very depths of Paul’s soul. In that response, there was the knowledge of a debt that he owed Christ, one that he could never repay, but which demanded a response according to the purpose and will of God. We find this same attitude in Paul’s letters to Timothy, bringing before him that same calling, that same responsibility and devotion, because of what Christ WAS and what He DID for him. The whole of that response to God would have its bearing and focus upon the coming of Lord. Why? There is no doubt that we cannot even begin to grasp and understand the blessing of the Lord’s coming, and the eternal effect that it will have on us all. But, what about our response to Him in that day, with regard to what He has called to us to BE and to DO?
In the twenty-fourth chapter of the gospel of Matthew, we find the Lord Jesus speaking of the last days, and His coming. We find Him also using several parables to address the issue of waiting for His coming. He basically speaks of two groups of people in regard to His coming, those who are His servants, “faithful, wise, and good,” and those who profess to be his servants, but who are not “ready” to receive Him. They neither prepare for His coming, and live in the blessing of it, nor do they take measures to responsibly respond to His calling and will. These are those “servants” who are evil, wicked, slothful,” It is evident by the parables that the Lord uses in teaching on the subject, that there is a responsibility given to each of His servants, according to their capacity and calling. It is also true that He provides for every need, so that each one can discharge faithfully his responsibility, and this with great reward. But ultimately, like the Apostle Paul, the true servant, living for the Lord’s coming is that one who is waiting for the One whom he loves. It is that love for Christ, which is the principle, and most powerful motive, for looking heavenward to that joyful meeting.
Dear Father, Fill our hearts with the love of God for Thy Son, waiting for His coming, that blessed appearing and meeting.
Love, Dad