“Now when these things begin to take place,
straighten up and raise your heads,
Because your redemption is near.’”
Luke 21:28

I’m currently reading two bible-in-a-year plans, one for a group of friends and another for the home church I belong to. Both are chronological. I really like that plan because you get to read the different accounts of the same event, back-to-back. It allows you to compare and contrast much more than one normally would. And, it just so happens in one, we are covering Jesus telling of his return. How cool is that, considering my friends and I have just been talking at length about living in anticipation!

It’s difficult to even begin to write about this because there is so much to say. It seems to be geared primarily towards unbelievers but there is still much to be heeded for believers in terms of warnings. Of course, there is great reward for obedience. Let’s look at some of that.

Matthew 24:45-47 “Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom his master has set over his household, to give them their food at the proper time? Blessed is that servant whom his master will find so doing when he comes. Truly, I say to you, he will set him over all his possessions.

Well, that sounds pretty good to me! In other words, there is nothing that Jesus has that we won’t be able to enjoy. Think about that. Who cares about material goods? None of that will even be a consideration. Think instead about your relationship with God. Think about the best of the best in your relationship with Him – and magnify it because there will be no sin whatsoever to get in the way. Plus, it won’t be for just a season; it will be for all eternity. It’s such an incredible concept that I can only get glimpses of it here and there. Even so, I just know that it is true. The best, and I mean the best, is yet to come!

Here’s two more:

Matthew 25:10 …, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the marriage feast,….

Matthew 25:19-21, 29a Now after a long time the master of those servants came and settled accounts with them. And he who had received the five talents came forward, bringing five talents more, saying, ‘Master, you delivered to me five talents; here I have made five more.’ His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.’…For to everyone who has will more be given, and he will have an abundance.

Finally, to those who were ready,

Matthew 25:34, 46b Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world…, but the righteous into eternal life.

Go today, pondering these things. Honestly, this should make you wonder why in the world God should have allowed you (or me) to participate in any of these blessings. That, my friend, should make you grateful beyond imagination as to the kindness and mercy of God. He has no obligation to show you his favor. Yet for a reason only he knows, he chose to forgive you and grant you an invitation to the Marriage Supper of the Lamb.

What does he ask of you? To stay awake and ready for his return. Is that really too much to expect? Hardly, especially when one considers that all the good things in life come through willful obedience: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. It’s a package deal, my friends.

Go ahead and enjoy yourselves! I’ll bet you want to tell others!

Father, what can I say? Your mercy and blessings leave me speechless. Thank you. Amen.

Copyright © 2019 Scott Powers