English, Matthew, Lesson 221 - Watch! (Matthew 24:42-51)

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MATTHEW - Repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven is at Hand!

A Bible Study Course on the Gospel of Christ according to Matthew

PART 4 - Jesus' Last Ministries in Jerusalem (Matthew 21:1 - 25:46)

C - Christ's Sermon on the Mount of Olives (Matthew 24:1-25:46) -- The Sixth Collection of Words of Jesus

11. Watch! (Matthew 24:42-51)

MATTHEW 24:42-44
42 Watch therefore, for you don’t know in what hour your Lord comes. 43 But know this, that if the master of the house had known in what watch of the night the thief was coming, he would have watched, and would not have allowed his house to be broken into. 44 Therefore also be ready, for in an hour that you don’t expect, the Son of Man will come. (Matthew 25:13, 1 Thessalonians 5:2)

Christ orders us to watch and keep alert, waiting for His coming. No one knows exactly when Jesus will actually come. Some think that He will never come. Others say that He has already come and that He is now hidden among us. Yet, Christ warns us and commands us to be ready and spiritually awake, for He will come unexpectedly, quietly, as a thief in the night. Therefore the slogan of our time should be careful watchfulness, so that we don't miss our meeting with the Lord.

To watch implies not only belief that the Lord will come, but also constant preparation, being in a spiritual state in which He would want to find in us when He arrives. To watch is to be aware of the first signs of His approach, that we may immediately address ourselves to the duty of meeting Him. While we are in this world, it is as if night is around us, and we must take pains to keep ourselves awake. How do we prepare for the coming of Christ?

By loving Him and really longing for Him.

By preparing our house and heart to be clean, and arranging everything perfectly for Him.

By studying the signs of the times which indicate His coming in the Old and New Testaments.

By praying and asking the Lord what His will is, that our entire life may become a preparation for His coming.

By telling our neighbors and friends about His coming that they may also be prepared to receive the Lord of Lords.

By preparing hymns of praise to receive our merciful Savior.

Are you preparing yourself for the coming of Jesus? Or do you live a self-centered life, without a goal? Examine your conscience, and see if there is some sin there, or resentment against someone you have not yet forgiven. Hurry up that you may obtain purification by grace for yourself as soon as possible. Ask forgiveness while you have the opportunity to do so.

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, Forgive us if we have neglected the coming of Your beloved Son because we have been occupied with earthly things. Lift up our heads towards the coming Redeemer who will save us from persecution, temptations, and death. Help us to prepare the way of the Lord for our kindred and friends that they may be prepared to receive Christ too. Strengthen our waiting that we may not fall asleep or forget the hour of His arrival.

QUESTION:

How do you prepare practically for the coming of your Lord Jesus?

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