Jesus said on a number of occasions to watch, to be ready (Matt 24.44), to pray (Mark 13.33) all in the context of readiness for His return. Am I in that state of readiness now? Am I being faithful with what God has put into my hand to do as part of His will for my life? Am I delaying making changes that God has shown are needful in my life, delaying because I lack the urgency of the Lord's pending return (Rev 22.7,12,20).
Our hope as believers should find it's focus in the soon return of our Saviour, and that hope will result in our purifying ourselves in readiness for His appearance (1John3.2-3). It will result in us abiding in Him, so we will have confidence when He appears and not be ashamed (1John2.28).
Is that hope alive and active in me? Is the fruit of that hope visible?
The Apostle Paul declares in 2Cor5.9-10 'Wherefore we labour, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of Him. . . . for we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ . . '. In the original language of the text the Greek word for labour in this verse means 'to be actuated by love of honour'. Is my daily walk being motivated and driven by a love for the Lord and hearing Him say, 'Well done, good and faithful servant' (Matt 25.21,23). Is His pleasure my primary desire in my thought-life, my words and my actions and how my life is lived out towards my family and those with whom I come into contact?
May I be vigilant, preparing myself and by abiding close to the Lord be amongst those of whom the Lord speaks when He says 'Blessed . . are those servants whom the master finds awake and alert and watching when he comes' (Luke 12.37 Amp).
- sent from Palm T|T3
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1 comment:
Hi Paul: good to see your blog
... If he comes suddenly, do not let him find you sleeping. What I say to you, I say to everyone: ‘Watch!’(Mk 13:36f)
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