November 26, 2021: SOAP #4376:  Matthew 23-25

SCRIPTURE:  Matthew (NIV) 24:42 “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come. 43 But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what time of night the thief was coming, he would have kept watch and would not have let his house be broken into. 44 So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.

OBSERVATION: Jesus was speaking of His second coming to earth.  He gave two simple and specific directives: “Keep watch” and “be ready.”

“Keep watch” means to stay alert.  Be aware of what is happening around you.  Do not be surprised when evil raises its head.  Take action that sharpens your watching skills.  Do not be so focused on yourself that that the return of Jesus will overtake you by surprise. 

“Be ready” refers to any necessary action to needed to prepare for what is coming.  Jesus did not say, “Start getting ready,” He said, “BE ready!”  Live ready.  When it comes to the return of Jesus, do not procrastinate!  Do not put off till tomorrow what should be done today! 

APPLICATION:  Even if He does not come today for all His followers, He may come today for me!   I must “keep watch” and “be ready.”  I need to be alert and have confidence that my sins are forgiven and that He is the Lord of my life.   I want Him to find me obedient and doing what He has directed.

PRAYER:  Lord, thank you for making it possible for me to be ready. I have accepted your death on the cross as the payment for my sins.  The Holy Spirit now dwells in my life to help me understand the Bible and to guide my daily life.  Amen.

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!