As I sit at my computer this morning, I can see out the window the brightening orange sky through the branches of the pine trees as the sun just begins to come up on the horizon, and as I reflect on our recently completed study of the Olivet Discourse of Matthew 24 and 25, a number of thoughts rush through my mind. Was this a successful experiment in blogging? Did I miss any important points? Did I explain it well enough? Did my readers benefit from it; was it a blessing to them?
Well I do know that I had fun with it. I also know that if “views” and “likes” mean anything, then it wasn’t a success. Was it useful to my readers… well there were many several gracious comments along those lines, so maybe it was, maybe it wasn’t. I guess we never really know for sure who reads these things and how it strikes them, for most never say one way or the other. As one comment this morning mentioned, the “sheep” did good without realizing they had done it.
Yet as I sit here, one thing keeps popping into my head, and maybe I need to mention it here. Jesus’ discussion in these 2 chapters ends up with the message that we need to be careful that we are ready when He returns… when ever that may be. So, if the disciples became Apostles and were ready for His return, but then He didn’t return, were their efforts in vain? How about all of the other Christians in those days, and throughout all of the centuries that have followed? If they saw to it that their efforts were successful, that they were always ready for Jesus to return, and then He didn’t return, did they labor for nothing?
Relize, every generation from that of the Apostles all the way up to the present one, have thought they would be the last. If you think there’s a lot of talk about the second coming and the end of this world today, well then you should research the 990’s AD! They were sure that the year 1000 was it; after all, doesn’t Revelation 20 say a thousand years? Those poor folks were almost obsessed!
And nothing happened.
Or did it?
I have no idea how many Christians walked the earth from 34 AD until today, no idea whatsoever. I do know one thing though, if a human being has ever been a Christian, and if he or she is not breathing right now, this very moment, than for them, Jesus has come already. No, He hasn’t yet seen fit to end this, the last age, but He has come for those who are no longer living in the body. Were those brothers and sisters ready when He came for them?
I have no way to know.
Of course, that brings us to a rather indelicate subject, doesn’t it? Here, let’s just say it: If this is our last day on this earth, are we ready to meet Jesus face-to-face?
I’m not quite sure why, but at least for me, that question seems to put an entirely different face on what is essentially the same thing as the question I’ve asked so many times already: If Jesus returns today, will be ready?
Maybe that’s because in one of those ways of asking it, somebody dies! We all know the truth of this subject: We will all die one day, unless Jesus returns first. It could happen at any time. You might well see a story on the nightly news tonight about someone who had no idea at all that this would be their last day on earth. Will they be ready?
For me, this kind of thinking can take up an entire day, but then if it does, this will be a day in which I do nothing at all to serve my Lord. I have no idea when my time will come. I’m in no particular hurry, but I believe my faith is strong enough to see me through. I also believe that my faith is strong enough so that I will not waste the day thinking about that over which I have no power: No, it isn’t productive.
What shall we do? Let’s take the love of Jesus Christ to those around us, so that in us they see Him. I am quite certain in the Lord, that if we make that our habit, we will rejoice on the day that we see Him face-to-face, whether that happens on the last day of the age, or on our last day on earth.
Life Project Blog 
Beautiful Sunrise ~ Amen :Y
If you love Jesus you will obey Him. And His command is to bring the Gospel message to those who don’t know it. If you are doing this, you will be so busy you will worry about when Jesus is going to return and you will be ready. Your posts have been an encouragement to be ready and do something for God.
Well said Tom… and thanks!
A thought…were you lead by the Spirit to present your study of Matthew on your blog? If so then you were obedient and God will do the rest. You don’t have to own that part. Another thought, since God speaks in so many ways and meets people where they are, just continue to do His work big and small as He leads you. This is the essence of working for God. If we push our own agenda we thwart His. Well done friend.
It isn’t easy to say. My thought was to do it as an experiment in writing, but plenty of times my “experiments” have turned out to be His “get off the couch” moves.
I hope I won’t be the last generation. Loving is too much fun!! That should have read Living – but I like the typo better!!
As just one thoughtful reader, I have found this incredibly helpful in “putting down” another distraction. And I like the thought that my death is my personal “second coming”
One final thought from a ponderer and a meanderer – “being still and knowing God” is also serving Him through servicing my relationship. Being busy and always working too often draws me away from Him.
Now out flowing love … That is a tricky one to keep in check!! 🙂
Yes, very tricky… but it might just be the ball game.
Don, “commenters” and “likers” are similar to folks who write letters to the editor. For every one person who does, dozens of others feel the same way but never write such a letter. Plus, if the Lord is satisfied, does it really matter how many readers “like” your posts? Be encouraged. Be strong. Write!
Thank you Bette!
“Let’s take the love of Jesus Christ to those around us, so that in us they see Him.” Well said, Don. We get so distracted by our obsessions, interpretations, and petty divisions that the only thing of true import gets lost. Experiencing and then sharing the love of Jesus should be our goal. Every day. Alas, I find it much easier to fall into my little distractions. 🙂 Thankfully, I am a work in progress, yes?
I do not always have the time to read posts daily. In fact, some weeks I find that I don’t get online at all. However, when I find myself with time to relax, I very much enjoy going back over your posts and teachings. You are a gifted teacher, Don. Thank you for taking the time to write. I am often blessed by your words.
Grace and peace to you this week.
Thank you Rebeca, you are very kind… and that’s from one work in progress to another!
“For me, this kind of thinking can take up an entire day, but then if it does, this will be a day in which I do nothing at all to serve my Lord.”
Don, who says you need to serve the Lord every day? Even Jesus rested from His labours.
Joh 7:1 After this Jesus went about in Galilee. He would not go about in Judea, because the Jews were seeking to kill him.
Joh 7:2 Now the Jews’ Feast of Booths was at hand.
Joh 7:3 So his brothers said to him, “Leave here and go to Judea, that your disciples also may see the works you are doing.
Joh 7:4 For no one works in secret if he seeks to be known openly. If you do these things, show yourself to the world.”
Joh 7:5 For not even his brothers believed in him.
Jesus was at home with His earthly family having a break. It is good sometimes to sit back and meditate and contemplate things.
All Good 🙂
LOL! 🙂
Very true Steve, and even God rested on the last day of the week… and then back at it!
I like your thought because no matter when Jesus returns (today, tomorrow, 3000 years from now) this is the only time we have to prepare for forever with Jesus. We make this life count for eternity when we receive the gift God sent to us: Jesus.
Amen!
I believe everything you write and share with us is a success, Don. Even if only one person is touched by some of your words, it is still successful, especially when it leads to someone being saved, changing their lives to be more like Jesus, making a difference in someone’s life. All of those are successes and so far as I can see, you are very successful indeed. Keep planting the seeds and teaching the word—you are making a difference in many lives!
Bless you Elaine!
Got my mind turning – great post!
Fantastic, thanks!
🙂
Don, I just wanted to encourage you and say that your postings are really helpful. Sorry if I’m more often than not a “silent liker” – often others have already made a point far more eloquently than I ever could so I just “like” and let be.
I really enjoy following along with your balanced interpretation of scripture, particularly your podcasts. The last podcast you gave on Christ’s imperatives was great. I also like the way you invited the listener to join you in a cup of coffee before the session. I paused the podcast and actually made myself a cup of tea then settled in for the teachings! And they were very helpful in getting me to focus on the essentials of Jesus’ teachings and avoid the trap of legalism. I felt inspired after the session was over to write an article and put it on my blog to share with others. I didn’t want to waste the talents God has given me but share them, hopefully giving Him his own back with interest.
So here’s the thing. Your teachings have a ripple on effect, spreading encouragement to those who would most benefit from them. Who can tell what number of people have been positively influenced by your writing and example? Many more people view and listen to your postings (and are edified by them) than would be apparent by merely calculating the likes and comments. I really believe that. Just because someone doesn’t like or comment doesn’t mean they didn’t take the lessons to heart and act on them.
Keep going, you are sowing good seeds and are very much appreciated.
PS: Thanks for putting me on to Meredith’s Musings. I plan to try her recipe for pork steaks within the next week or so. 🙂
Hi Naomi!
Thanks you so much for the encouragement, I really appreciate it.
I’m getting the impression that I didn’t express the whole lokes/views business quite clearly enough as it relates to whether or not my little prophecy blogging experiment was a success. It’s really the views that are a concern, and I feel a little bit the preacher who tried a new sermn series by changing up his regular way of doing things. When he completed the series, he noticed that he had about 30 percent fewer people in Sunday worship and wondered if maybe he should go back to what he was doing before. 🙂
Anyway, I really appreciate your comments; thank you!