TOPIC: KEEP WATCH, HE IS COMING!
Bible Reading: Matthew 24:32-42
32 Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When his branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is nigh:
33 So likewise ye, when ye shall see all these things, know that it is near, even at the doors.
34 Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled.
35 Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.
36 But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only.
37 But as the days of Noah were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.
38 For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark,
39 And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.
40 Then shall two be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left.
41 Two women shall be grinding at the mill; the one shall be taken, and the other left.
42 Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come.
KEEP WATCH HE IS COMING! Matthew 24:32-42
We will examine today’s passage from two angles: Vs. 32- 35: The certainty of Jesus’ coming: The Lord used common climatic and historical events to further illustrate His teaching in answer to the disciples’ questions (v.3). The disciples and the people in general knew how to connect the appearance of fresh fig leaves to the arrival of summer (vs. 32-35). What are the signs already mentioned in the earlier passages that point to the soon coming of the Lord? V.36-42: The uncertainty of the time of His coming: V.36 is a little challenging here yet very instructive. No one knows the exact day of Jesus Christ’s return. This is the preserve of the Father. But that should not worry the believer. Notice what the believer is called to do in v.42. Alertness, prayer and watching are the duty of every believer. The experience of people in the time of Noah is very pertinent. Noah, however, was not caught napping but was fully ready and so should we. For reflection: How alert are you in your readiness for the return of Jesus Christ?
Missions: TURKS & CAICOS ISLANDS- Poverty is an issue – 25% live below the poverty line, despite a growing economy. Pray that God might open new opportunities for the economically disadvantaged and that any social and economic advancement would be for the betterment of the whole population.
Prayer: Dear Lord Jesus, help me always to be spiritually alert and not be among those who sleep.
Bible In One Year: Ezekiel 43-45
Key verse: Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come (Matt 24,42)
