Be Ye Ready

Background Scripture: Matthew 24-25
Lesson Scripture: Matthew 24:4-8, 11-12, 42-47

Introduction

Be ye ready! In the unexpected moment the most notable event the world will ever witness will transpire: the end of the world. No one knows when the Lord Jesus will appear. He will come as a Savior to the redeemed and as a judge to the unrepentant.

Are we ready, preparing, and yearning for our celestial home? The joys of salvation will be far beyond expectation for those who are prepared and ready, but unimaginable despair and tragedy await the unprepared.

Key Verse

He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus (Rev. 22:20).

Lesson Scripture

Studying the Lesson

When Jesus and the disciples reached the Mount of Olives, they asked Him privately when He would return and what we might expect at the end of the world. Jesus prefaced his reply with an emphatic warning against deception. There is still tremendous danger in being led astray by other men’s false philosophies, conspiracies, preaching, or theories. The danger of deception is always reason for sound warning. Misunderstanding and deception prevail even today about the future of Jerusalem and the temple. Some people believed an earthly kingdom would be set up by Jesus, but He clearly said that his kingdom was not of this world.

War and conflict among the nations cause heartbreak and suffering, while other places around the world are smitten by hunger and disease, earthquakes and disaster. These things engage people’s opinions and arouse worry and insecurities. Our lesson encourages us that we would not be alarmed. News media can captivate the mind and become very addicting, causing some to be so caught up that they subscribe to delusional conspiracies or become strongly motivated politically. Generally, the world’s media subtracts from the blessings God has intended for us to enjoy by distracting us from eternal reality. There is a need for godly wisdom in these matters; otherwise, the song of the redeemed grows faint, and heartfelt praises and prayers to our heavenly Father languish. There can be peace in the midst of chaos, calmness under threat, endurance while suffering, and joy in serving under duress.

The end time is indeed a perilous time wherein souls are easily swayed by the world’s charisma and lulled into a stupor we may hardly detect. True love and concern for the soul of man tends to wax lukewarm, then grow cold. Too many in the end will say, “Had we only known the Lord would return at that moment or in that way, we would have cared more.” When unexpected death strikes, someone may comment, “God came and took our loved one in a way we had never thought possible.” So shall the Lord’s return be.

There is a spiritual poison that affects the satisfied as well as the hungry soul, the complacent heart and the soul that yearns for salvation. The forces of evil develop the poison of deception into something fine tasting, and without a heart that is watchful and keen to the devices of the enemy, it seems innocuous. In times past, physical persecution or martyrdom was a determining factor, but in times of prosperity we must double our watch because fair times are far more perilous. Many false teachers and subtle spirits rise and sway the souls of men into a chasm of deceit and lies with beguiling tactics and misleading smiles. Families get torn apart, congregations are vexed, and minds get clogged with confusion; it is no surprise that Jesus insistently says, “Watch therefore!”

Jesus directs our focus to the tremendous value of salvation. Having ended his discourse about the end of time, He turns our attention to a faithful and wise servant who is fully invested in the value of his master’s goods. This trustworthy one, rich in faith and wisdom, though perhaps lacking much of this world’s goods, knows how to be vigilant and careful. The wise servant-manager looks after his spiritual responsibilities and those entrusted to him with a considerate heart. Heartfelt love toward the duty of caring for the needs of others goes hand in hand with taking life seriously. In the household of faith, concerned brothers and sisters will be nourished with wisdom imparted by God’s grace coming down in times of need. Like the apostles, we also need to pay attention to the dire predictions and outcomes.

Practical Truths for Today

There are many prophecies recorded in the Bible that are written for our learning. Unlocking the meaning of the prophecies in the Bible can help us prepare against the evil day. They also direct our attention to the immutability of God’s Word. Since we can readily see how the Old Testament prophecies concerning Christ were fulfilled, we do well to take heed to the words of Jesus concerning the end.

As we witness those we are acquainted with leaving this life, our minds should be drawn to the importance of being prepared and ready to go. When we leave for a distant place or country, travel to work, run an errand, or go for coffee with a friend, the future remains unpredictable in spite of our plans or intentions. We have no certainty of time being granted according to our ambitions or wishes. Many envision a full life leading into peaceful old age and a quiet, painless passing, but we have no control of how life or time will end. The only thing we can do is live ready to leave this world at a moment’s notice.

It appears that all prophecies of the end time have been fulfilled. The only prophecy, it is said, that remains to be fulfilled is the one of the Lord’s return. Spiritual complacency creates a groggy approach to carefully guarding our souls.

Diligence is also required as responsible Christians to share our time with others. A story with the children, relating an experience to the family, visiting neighbors and the less fortunate, spiritual conversation and devotion time with friends, and stop-in visits indicate a state of watchful readiness.

While traveling, an elderly gentleman needed to inquire about a train schedule. He stepped into an adjacent train car to obtain more information when, suddenly without advance notice, the train departed, leaving his wife stranded outside. The stop had been unexpectedly short for this gentleman, and had he been more acquainted and prepared, he would not have been separated from his wife. Though they were rejoined shortly and experience was gained for future travel, it will not be so when time comes to a close. The separation will be complete and final; the time for preparation and being acquainted with God’s will is now.

The simplicity of the gospel is a predominant facet of the instructions Jesus left in the New Testament. His warning words become more plaintive in today’s world. False versions of the gospel run rampant. Many have become mired in the swamps of pleasure and materialism, while some grow cold as the icy fingers of offense or formality grip their soul. People become overpowered emotionally with encumbrances that tear them away from reading the Bible and devotion to God. The lighthouse of truth still stands with its bright, saving beacon, but fear or despondency will paralyze the minds of those who fix their gaze only on the raging waters.

Some experiences in life give us time to reflect, meditate, and seriously examine our hearts and minds. Time does not return; it passes and is gone forever, leaving only memories. These times of contemplation can drastically alter our behavior for the betterment of our own spiritual life, our families, and associations. What is it that brings about the right kind of a turnaround, leading us to a closer walk with God or imparting us with a clearer eternal view?

Repentance is sometimes called the door of mercy. This door is hinged on the love of God. He is not willing that any should be lost or caught unprepared. Exercising the Word of God deep down in our hearts is like oiling the hinges on this great door, allowing it to freely open. Gently He prompts us by the comfort and conviction of the Holy Spirit. Submission to the will of God gives us hope in living ready for Christ’s return. He is preparing heaven, making ready for all who will heed the great invitation and remain faithful.

Illustration

Occasionally the Holy Spirit reveals to people that their time will not be long on this earth. Looking back over the last few moments, days, or months of that person’s life, we can sense they had a feeling of imminent departure. They made ready for the transition into eternity, which brought a touch of calm assurance. There was not a visible foreboding sense of fear but rather a steady, gentle, and peaceful testimony of a life at rest.

A middle-aged brother who lived in a mountainous region had come to the Lord in his youth. However, the young man lost out spiritually, got married, and had a family, but his conscience was often touched by God, and once again he came back to the Lord and the church.

He worked in the logging industry, often driving along treacherous roads. On one of these roads there was a huge and high boulder at each end of one of the curves in the road. His knowledge of Bible verses and proverbs was remarkable, and somehow he was able to paint in big, bold letters, a saying or proverb on each one of these rocks. One read, “Read your Bible, and you will be saved,” and the other one read, “Prepare to meet your God.”

He caught a ride going back home from work one evening and coming around that very curve the truck rolled, and he was killed. The testimony of his enthusiasm and eagerness to spread the gospel left a resounding witness of someone who was ready.

Questions

1. Why is the question, “Are you ready for the world’s end?” not voiced more frequently?
2. Does the daily barrage of news sway us into taking political sides? Does this create in us a wrong focus, or does it aid us in praying for world leaders?
3. How alarmed should we be when we see someone who is far from being ready?
4. What makes us ask or wonder at someone’s passing if there was anything they said or did that left an assurance of salvation?
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Source: COGICM Daily Bible Readings (Daily Bible Readings, PO Box 124, Glenn, CA 95943).