Living in the Shadow of Jesus' Return ~ A#
The fuzziness of sin has left mankind without a compass. Only darkness can result.
Christians now live in the times of Divine sifting. The complete impurity of the abortion, homosexual and transgender debates multiply this testing. And, as Christian churches acquiesce under the false canopy of 'love', judgement begins with the house of God.
Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, BUT RATHER EXPOSE THEM! (Ephesians 5:11... SoulSupply emphasis added.)
Who will courageously speak up for righteousness as Noah spoke in his unrighteous world? Who will stand upright in this breach? The days of wickedness increase.
Heaven will not water 'christian' weeds. Jesus still comes with great surprise.
So how then should the Christian live in the shadow of Jesus' return, His final act against evil?
In the three parables of Matthew 25 Jesus teaches His disciples to consider all their tomorrows by their conduct today. The disciples' future is not unconditionally guaranteed.
In Acts 26:20 the apostle Paul explains 'repentance' to King Agrippa and his wife Bernice so that each will:
turn to God and prove their repentance by their deeds. (SoulSupply emphasis added)
Jesus teaches the parable of the ten virgins to His disciples, as they enquire of His second coming. (Matthew 25:1-13)
Ten bridesmaids wait for the groom. He is delayed. Apparently they are to guide him in a torchlight procession to his wedding feast.
Five bridesmaids carried spare fuel, five were foolish and did not. The groom appeared at midnight and the five foolish maidens requested the five wise ones to share the spare fuel.
All the maidens had sought the groom, but only five were fuelled at his return.
The wise ones refused to share their fuel, lest they too miss out and held no light to greet the groom, or travel his pathway.
Fuel cannot be shared because it is held within a heart that seeks readiness, those who are eager for Jesus' return. No disciple can give their preparation for Jesus'return to another, any more than a gymnast can share his preparations with a fellow team mate.
Jesus understood the human spirit perfectly when He taught His three dozy supporters in Gethsemane:
the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak. (Matthew 26:41)
Neglect had crept in for the unwise virgins even though their orginal intentions were very good.
Hurriedly these five foolish young ladies sought fuel, while the other wise ones escort the groom to his wedding feast. The door is shut. When the foolish ones reach the banquet's door they knock, but the groom explains through the door that he does not know them.
Jesus concluded the parable with this dire warning:
Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour. (Matthew 25:13)
Three brief further points:
- The loss of being unprepared is far greater than the cost of remaining prepared. Plan for the sudden.
- This is a parable of both exclusion and inclusion.
- As with Esau - do not choose this day that which will cost you tomorrow.
The cry is one of constant vigilance, to stand for Christ. It is only those who stand firm to the end that are saved.
Yesterday's fuel cannot be traded upon today or tomorrow, for it is already spent.
Yesterday's spiritual successes cannot be traded upon anymore than the Israelites were able to eat yesterday's manna today.
You must be ready for the return of Jesus.
# ENJOY too - Living in the Shadow of Jesus' Return ~ B & Living in the Shadow of Jesus' Return ~ C
Today's Soul Snippet:
'My days have never belonged to me, I am but a steward of my breath.' ~ Michael Cartwright
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