Discover His heart: He’s returning for those who are looking for Him
I remember an expression from the 1970’s that appropriately fits our reading today – “That’s heavy, man, heavy,” an evaluation not referring to the weight of something in pounds, but to the weight of its importance and impact. In these chapters, Jesus gave weighty information about how He viewed carnal religious leaders, the end times and who would spend eternity with Him. We don’t have to rely on man’s interpretation or inspiration on these subjects, but we can hear it straight from the Creator’s mouth.
“And they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. And he will send out his angels with the mighty blast of a trumpet, and they will gather his chosen ones from all over the world—from the farthest ends of the earth and heaven.” (24:30-31) Jesus gave a glorious description of His unannounced return for those who accept Him as their Savior, and then shared a series of parables, or examples, to explain just exactly who should expect Him.
“When the Son of Man returns, it will be like it was in Noah’s day. In those days before the flood, the people were enjoying banquets and parties and weddings right up to the time Noah entered his boat. People didn’t realize what was going to happen until the flood came and swept them all away. That is the way it will be when the Son of Man comes.” (24:37-39) If we truly believe that He is the son of God, there is evidence of it in our lives; and according to His parables, we exhibit this evidence:
- We are watching for Him. “So you, too, must keep watch! For you don’t know what day your Lord is coming…You also must be ready all the time, for the Son of Man will come when least expected.” (24:42,44)
- We are ready for Him – all oiled up and ready to go! “Then the Kingdom of Heaven will be like ten bridesmaids who took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. The five who were foolish didn’t take enough olive oil for their lamps, but the other five were wise enough to take along extra oil.” (25:1-4)
- We are faithful in the use of our God-given gifts and talents. “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!…To those who use well what they are given, even more will be given, and they will have an abundance. But from those who do nothing, even what little they have will be taken away.” (25:23,29)
- We display the compassionate heart of the Father. “Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the creation of the world. For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home. I was naked, and you gave me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me.” (25:34-36)
Watching, ready, faithful, compassionate. I’m challenged today by how the Lord views our readiness to meet Him when He returns. These are weighty matters for consideration.
Moving forward: I pray He recognizes me as one of His very own by all that I do and say today.
Tomorrow @ I Corinthians 3-4
Phyllis Benigas 