“So You Too, Must Keep Watch!…”
(Matt. 24:42 NLT)
(Please read Luke 12:35-40 as preparation for this article. Reading this passage in NLT will be helpful.)
“Be Prepared” was adopted by the Boy Scouts of America as their scout motto. It was originally coined by a British soldier, Robert Baden-Powell in 1907. The concept of being physically and mentally ready for whatever circumstances could easily have been a guiding principle from the very beginning of Christianity. Within the six verses referenced above, there are no less than 8 references to readiness of some nature. From the beginning of the passage, we are told to be dressed with our lamps aflame. These verses are rife with warnings unto preparation for Jesus’ return as well as avoiding whatever might interdict our doing so. We have here the example of a homeowner who anticipating potential break ins would take the appropriate precautions. It is made lucidly clear that the Lord’s return will be completely unforeseen and possibly even surprising.
Jesus continued the narrative regarding his return in Matthew 25 with the story of the five wise and five foolish virgins. This account amplifies the contention for preparation by lifting up the stark reality that failure to do so can result in some kind of eternal loss. It is obvious from this parable that last minute catchup readiness is not an option. This helps us understand how readiness, looking for the second coming of Christ, should be a lifelong endeavor. For me, this is tantamount to seeking first the kingdom of God, not the sort of thing one would check off their spiritual to do list and then move on.
If I am going to take these scriptures seriously, if I am going to conscientiously and meaningfully look for Christ’s return, how would that manifest in my life? Is it just a life of purposeful mental activity or are there significant alterations, changes, or additions that will have to take place in my life? Interestingly, anything in my life that has materialized in some kind of accomplishment, whether doing something or becoming something, has required effort. Whether it was organized sports, military service, pursuing academic degrees, or even marriage itself, all have demanded real commitment and true dedication throughout the extent of their involvement.
So what is involved in one’s preparedness for the coming again of our Lord Jesus Christ? First and foremost, I think it imperative that we have hope in our hearts. If we don’t have a sound belief in Jesus’ return, if we don’t hold as immutable, unassailable, and absolute truth Jesus’ coming back to the establish the kingdom of God on earth as it is in heaven, then we will never make the spiritual investment necessary to move into a place of readiness. Interestingly, the Apostle Paul, in writing to the church in Thessalonica, commended them for how they anticipated the return of Christ- “As we talk to our God and Father about you, we think of your faithful work, your loving deeds, and your continual anticipation of the return of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Thess. 1:3 NLT) The particular Greek word for “hope” in this verse incorporates the concept of anticipation.
Truly living with a hope of this nature would have to transform our entire approach to life itself. It would have to govern our values, goals, desires, and ambitions. It would also necessarily set one apart from others who lack this particular mindset. Choosing to actively anticipate Jesus’ return would completely alter our thinking about and approach to this world. We would follow Jesus’ admonition to “…occupy until I come.” Building lasting careers and significant retirements would probably not be a consideration. Frankly I think most anyone following this track would be considered an oddball, an outsider. But isn’t that what John’s admonition to “love not the world” is mostly about? Jesus’ words counsel us that in following him we would be subjected to the same kind of scrutiny and treatment he received.
When Jesus returns, he won’t be coming again as a suffering servant but rather as the King of kings, and Lord of lords to establish his kingdom on earth. That means all true believers will be included in his kingdom. When the Pharisees demanded of Jesus the timing of the kingdom, he responded, “The kingdom of God cometh not with observation…behold, the kingdom of God is within you.” Jesus actually goes on to explain to his disciples not to be misled concerning his return since many will be saying to look here or there to see him. Understanding this, we should be even more concerned and conscientious about preparing a place for him.
Readiness, then, is very much a matter of one’s personal walk with the Lord. If Jesus is coming to consecrate his kingdom, and that kingdom is within me, I am going to want to make every opportunity I can to provide him access to my life. An emphasis on the world, the love of the world, and the things of the world, all have to go from my life. Unquestionably, this will take considerable effort on my part and I should be prepared for the less than faithful responses I will undoubtedly encounter. Many of the negative responses will come from within the church. The majority of Christians are looking for an individual with respect to the second coming, not for a Christ who will assume his rightful position in their present “temple” of God.
“You also must be ready all the time, for the Son of Man will come when least expected”
(Luke 12:40 NLT)
