Jesus told us how in Matthew 24:36–51. There, Jesus told his disciples to “watch therefore, for you do not know” when he will come again. Then Jesus gives us two examples of what it means to watch and not watch.
In 24:43–44, the man of the house knows a burglar is coming to rob him. So he makes preparation to defend his home and his life. We have an enemy who wishes to rob us of our spiritual blessings. The one who is ready, therefore, will be protecting his faith.
In 24:45–51, we get a double example. There, the owner of the property has left his servant in charge of the property. The owner comes back and finds the servant still at work taking care of things properly. As a result, the owner elevates him as caretaker of the whole property.
“But if that evil servant” (the same servant, for with our free wills we can go one way or the other) decides that the owner won’t be back for a while, he will be found unfaithful when the owner returns unexpectedly. The servant is punished severely.
More examples of readiness are given in Matthew 25.
In 25:1-13, the church, composed of wise and foolish virgins, are getting ready for the bridegroom’s coming. Only the wise are ready. The foolish are left behind. Which one do you want to be?
In 25:14-30, God evaluates His people for rewards. Those who served faithfully, serving their master’s best interests, were rewarded. The one who did not think of his master’s best interests was not. Which one do you want to be?
We may have been led to believe that all church members are equally ready. But God will make a difference. It is not enough to go to church or be nice people on their best behavior. The Lord expects His servants to be obedient to Him. Doing what He says, not what we want. We read the Word and respond to what He is telling us through it, and we believe and obey.
Luke 21:36 is an interesting verse: “Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man.” If all church members are automatically enrolled in the rapture, why would Jesus tell us to watch and pray always that we may be counted worthy? He was saying this to His disciples. Trust and obey. This is a strong indicator you are ready.
There are two ways we can appear before the Son of Man: “And now, little children, abide in Him, that when He appears, we may have confidence and not be ashamed before Him at His coming” (1 John 2:28). We may appear before Him having confidence or shame. This verse also tells us how to make sure we are ready: “abide in Him.” Do you know how to do this? This is a work of the Holy Spirit, and He teaches this aspect of the Christian life to all who seek to honor Jesus above all.
If you don’t know the difference between being faithful to the work and being faithful to the Lord, you may not be spiritual, but merely religious. You may not have been spiritually regenerated. There’s no possibility of being ready if God has not gotten your heart through faith in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord to save you from your sin.
You don’t become a spiritual person through reading books, meditation, or joining a religion or spiritual circles. You become spiritual only by faith in Jesus Christ and the life-changing, resurrection power of the Holy Spirit. To know this spiritual life, please read this gospel message and respond to God’s call on your life through faith in Jesus Christ.
I highly recommend my book, Ready for a Reward, to learn more about getting ready for Christ’s return.
What do you think?
a. If you knew an enemy (Satan) is working hard in the background to take away your spiritual gains, how will you live? You will watch (persevere in prayer, the word, and living holy) so that you will lot lose your benefits.
b. Do you know what the Lord wants you to do on an on-going basis? Are you keeping it up, learning to draw on His power to persevere?
c. Have you slowed down in your pursuit of the Lord, the world pulling you away and dimming your vision so you are putting other things ahead of your relationship with Jesus?
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