Happy Wednesday Everybody! If you're reading this, I'm guessing the end of your world didn't come either. There have been false prophets around for ages and ages and this guy seems to wear the crown right now. It's so sad to me that fear of death makes people so crazy -- where there is no truth, there is no peace. I heard an interview with this past weekend on "Nightline" and he compared the errors in his predictions of Christ's return to the mistakes that Thomas Edison made when he invented the light bulb, saying that "Edison didn't get it right on the light bulb the first time around - we may not get it right either." I'm sorry, but comparing eternity to light bulb invention is about the most ridiculous thing I've heard in quite some time!
So...in light of today's topic, I want to share some beautiful words of TRUTH with you and a few thoughts to encourage you today.
Let's take a look at Matthew 24:36-44:
“No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son,f but only the Father. As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. For in the days before the flood, people were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, up to the day Noah entered the ark; and they knew nothing about what would happen until the flood came and took them all away. That is how it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. Two men will be in the field; one will be taken and the other left. Two women will be grinding with a hand mill; one will be taken and the other left. “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come. But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what time of night the thief was coming, he would have kept watch and would not have let his house be broken into. So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him."
I've heard so many say recently that we're in the "last days". These are people of faith, too. I personally believe that we've been in the "last days" since Jesus rose from the dead and ascended into Heaven. I've read some commentary on this latest prediction and there are some who believe that Christians won't be raptured but will endure the suffering of the tribulation period. Others believe that the Church will be raptured before the tribulation period with a remnant left to bring others into the Kingdom while awaiting Christ's return to reign on earth. I must say, that I am hopeful that the Church will be raptured but I agree that suffering is part of the work of God and the patterns He has set forth in His Word include His very own Son to suffer so why would we expect to receive any less.
So rather than debate the pre-, a- and post-millennium theories, I'd rather focus on God's Word for today. The truth of the matter is that if Jesus doesn't know when God will send Him back, then no human has any know and it's not really up for debate or discussion. If we believe God's Word in any part, we have to believe it in whole. We can find comfort in knowing the absolute truth of this anytime that someone makes a claim that conflicts with God's Word and we can offer comfort to others by showing this passage and so many others to them that make it clear that Jesus will return but that only God knows when that will happen. Our job is to tell others about Jesus and how believing in Him and trusting Him as their Savior will eliminate any fear or doubt when "doomsday" predictions appear in the news media.
There's so much to do without focusing on the when's and how's of Jesus' return. Let's let Him find us busy - using the gifts He has given us to bless others, being vessels of unity rather than division in our churches, workplaces, community and families. Let's let Him find us faithful - not doubting or worrying, but steadfast, firm and strong in our relationship with Him and our commitment to serving Him. Let's let Him find us hopeful - anticipating His goodness, His return, believing Him even when things aren't going our way, trusting that His plans are for good and that His plans are for for us to have a hope and a future - not only here but for eternity. And finally, let's let Him find us truthful -- true to our word, true to ourselves and each other and honest in our actions and deeds.
Our greatest ambition should be this - for both here and in eternity, we should strive to hear our Savior say, 'Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let's celebrate together!'
Have a blessed day ....I will see ya tomorrow!! Amy
So...in light of today's topic, I want to share some beautiful words of TRUTH with you and a few thoughts to encourage you today.
Let's take a look at Matthew 24:36-44:
“No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son,f but only the Father. As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. For in the days before the flood, people were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, up to the day Noah entered the ark; and they knew nothing about what would happen until the flood came and took them all away. That is how it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. Two men will be in the field; one will be taken and the other left. Two women will be grinding with a hand mill; one will be taken and the other left. “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come. But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what time of night the thief was coming, he would have kept watch and would not have let his house be broken into. So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him."
I've heard so many say recently that we're in the "last days". These are people of faith, too. I personally believe that we've been in the "last days" since Jesus rose from the dead and ascended into Heaven. I've read some commentary on this latest prediction and there are some who believe that Christians won't be raptured but will endure the suffering of the tribulation period. Others believe that the Church will be raptured before the tribulation period with a remnant left to bring others into the Kingdom while awaiting Christ's return to reign on earth. I must say, that I am hopeful that the Church will be raptured but I agree that suffering is part of the work of God and the patterns He has set forth in His Word include His very own Son to suffer so why would we expect to receive any less.
So rather than debate the pre-, a- and post-millennium theories, I'd rather focus on God's Word for today. The truth of the matter is that if Jesus doesn't know when God will send Him back, then no human has any know and it's not really up for debate or discussion. If we believe God's Word in any part, we have to believe it in whole. We can find comfort in knowing the absolute truth of this anytime that someone makes a claim that conflicts with God's Word and we can offer comfort to others by showing this passage and so many others to them that make it clear that Jesus will return but that only God knows when that will happen. Our job is to tell others about Jesus and how believing in Him and trusting Him as their Savior will eliminate any fear or doubt when "doomsday" predictions appear in the news media.
There's so much to do without focusing on the when's and how's of Jesus' return. Let's let Him find us busy - using the gifts He has given us to bless others, being vessels of unity rather than division in our churches, workplaces, community and families. Let's let Him find us faithful - not doubting or worrying, but steadfast, firm and strong in our relationship with Him and our commitment to serving Him. Let's let Him find us hopeful - anticipating His goodness, His return, believing Him even when things aren't going our way, trusting that His plans are for good and that His plans are for for us to have a hope and a future - not only here but for eternity. And finally, let's let Him find us truthful -- true to our word, true to ourselves and each other and honest in our actions and deeds.
Our greatest ambition should be this - for both here and in eternity, we should strive to hear our Savior say, 'Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let's celebrate together!'
Have a blessed day ....I will see ya tomorrow!! Amy
No comments:
Post a Comment