Jesus is Coming Again
Matthew 24:9-14, 39b-44; Revelation 7:9, 22:12-14
I felt the first rain drop splatter against my face and immediately knew we were in trouble. My son, daughter and I were inside a tent deep in the mountains. We shouldn’t have felt anything, but that’s what happens when a cold front slips by and your tent is water-repellent instead of water-resistant. Misery followed us two miles the next morning before we found help. We were unprepared for inclement weather.
Though Jesus’ return is certain, readying for the event is often relegated to the furthest recesses of our mind.
Seeing the end game is important when anticipating Jesus’ return (Revelation 22:12-14). Jesus says he will repay according to what people have done – good or evil (v. 12). Those alive at his return will be transformed and ushered into heaven. Dead bodies of believers will be resurrected and remade for eternity.
Jesus establishes certain criteria for entering heaven. Repenting of our sins and trusting Christ for forgiveness are necessary. God doesn’t keep people out of heaven but only allows those in who meet his guidelines. The repayment is heaven, as well as rewards for good works carried out with honorable motives.
Those who have washed their robes (v. 14) are believers and have no reason to fear condemnation; their sins are covered and forgiven. Washing reminds us that humanity has a role and responsibility in preparing for Christ’s return.
Only the “ready” are prepared to meet Christ (Matthew 24:39b-44). Jesus uses the historical story of Noah. He preached about repentance, the people ignored him, and when the flood arrived they were unprepared. Jesus also uses examples of men working in a field, women grinding meal and a thief breaking into a home. His coming will divide the prepared from the unprepared and will be unexpected. Thieves by nature come when homeowners are not expecting their arrival. Trusting Christ as Savior is the essential method of preparing for Jesus’ return.
Preparation also involves living in a daily faithful relationship with Christ (Matthew 24:9-14; Revelation 7:9). The faithful will endure persecution, death, hatred and betrayal (vv. 9-10). Circumstances will require them to weigh guidance from their leaders against the Word of God (v. 11). They will witness the love of many grow cold (v. 12), but the committed will illustrate their faithfulness by enduring to the end (v. 13).
In spite of obstacles, authentic believers persevere and will be rewarded by witnessing a worldwide spreading of the gospel to all people (v. 14). Out of its international advancement, a multitude of people will come to Christ as Savior (Revelation 7:9).
Wiles– Lessons in the BSL series for the spring quarter are being written by Martin Wiles, pastor of First Baptist Church, Harleyville, and author of three books, including the recently published “Grace Greater Than Sin.”