We are now at Week Ten of our series. This week, we will discuss the importance of being prepared. We tend to spend a lot of time in preparation for things like birthdays, weddings, anniversaries, vacations, etc. But, when it comes to preparing ourselves for the inevitable judgement day, are we ready?
Before we begin our study, let's pray together: God, you have made the heavens and the earth. You have revealed your beauty in creation and inspired the book that we are now about to study. Please help us now as we read together. Take us deeper into understanding more about you and your love for us. Amen.
During His earthly ministry, Jesus taught his disciples many things. One of the most important of which was "preparation." He wanted them to always be prepared for the judgement day. This, of course, applies to us, as well. We should live each day as if it were our last; since it very well might be.
It's a fact that many pass away unexpectedly everyday. Most, with very little, or no time to ponder their fate (Hebrews 9:27). This is all the more reason for living as if we will meet Our Creator today; whether by dying, or the sound of the last trumpet call.
Matthew 24 shows Jesus telling his disciples about the imminent destruction of the city of Jerusalem, its Hebrew temple, and Mosaic worship. Prior to this happening, though, there would be plenty of warning signs, such as: famines, earthquakes, and wars.
Jesus alerted them to this so that they might be spared from the sting of the Roman emperor's sword. By paying attention to his warning, they would recognize when it was time to beat a hasty retreat for safety.
In the parable of the fig tree (Matthew 24:32-44; Mark 13:28-32; Luke 21:29-33), Christ firmly establishes this teaching by exhorting them to pay close attention to the signs and not discount them. In fact, that generation was still alive when Titus ransacked the City of David in 70 A.D.
According to the Hebrew historian Josephus, no Christians were killed during the invasion. This was undoubtedly due the careful consideration of their Lord's warnings, and signs of the impending disaster.
In Matthew 24:36, Christ's answer switches over to the second part of their questioning, regarding the end of the world. Subsequently, in Matthew 25, he teaches the parable of the wise and foolish virgins to impel them to prepare for that glorious day. Time would pass while the bridegroom was away, but he'd return when least expected.
Those soley prepared for his return could join him; while those who aren't would be excluded. For by then, the time for preparation has passed. Mark 13:33-37 brings the parable of the absent householder to our attention. Here we find Jesus comparing himself to a man who goes away, leaving his slaves in charge during his absence.
He may return at any time, day or night. Therefore, we are advised to always be ready (prepared) to welcome him back. When this happens, those servants who have procrastinated will be doomed. The Lord uses the parable of the rich fool (Luke 12:16-21) to instruct his listeners on the dangers of becoming too comfortable and unproductive.
For those Christians who erroneously believe that they have purchased a ticket to paradise simply by being baptized, nothing could be further from the truth. We are reminded that eternal rest is not for the do-nothing, but for the worker. Productivity towards God is commended above serving one's self in this life.
Lastly, in the parable of the faithful and evil servants (Luke 12:35-40), Jesus blesses those servants who are prepared at all times for his return. There are two things that most often deny a Christian of his preparation: sin and idleness.
We mistakenly regard the patience of God as a sign that he will not act any time soon. As a result we allow ourselves to drift into sinfulness. Who knows why? Maybe it's because we feel confident of a long life that we put off tomorrow what should be done today. In any case, here's a question for you, "Will the Lord really find faith here on earth when he does return?"
Questions:
1. How should we live every day of our lives? What are some things this should make us do?
2. Does the Bible permit the idea of reincarnation, wherein each failed spirit gets another chance at another life? What scripture disproves this idea?
3. What various signs precede the destruction of the city of Jerusalem? How would the second coming be?
4. What did people know when they saw a tender fig tree, putting forth leaves? What would they know when they saw famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in their time?
5. How many virgins wanted to meet the bridegroom? What separated the wise from the foolish?
6. What is the lesson in the shutting of the door?
7. What does verse 13 entail?
8. After the example of the householder, when might Jesus return for us? In what sad state might he find us? What does this mean?
9. What three things does he advise in Mark 13:33?
10. According to Luke 12:21, what was the error of the rich man?
11. How can we be rich toward God?
12. According to Luke 12:37, which servants will be blessed by the master?
13. What two states can we fall into that compromise our vigilance and preparation?
Until next time...
May your week be blessed!
Bibi
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