WEEK 5, Day 4, Thursday, 28 January 2021

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Observations from today’s readings and today’s S-WOD, Thursday, 28 January 21:

Matthew 24:44 — “Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.”

Today, Jesus addresses two prophetic topics: 1) Jerusalem’s destruction in AD 70 (Matthew 24:1-35) and 2) Jesus’ final return to judge the living and the dead (Revelation 20–21). Note: Scholars debate which verses deal with the destruction of Jerusalem and which deal with End Times. There is much fascination, speculation, confusion, debate, and unfortunately hype associated with End Times prophecy. Here are a few things that seem clear:

1) No one knows the day or the hour (Matthew 24:36). If someone tells you they have figured it out, you can stop listening at that point.

2) Most people will not see it coming at all, even those who view themselves as religious. (Matthew 24:37-39)

3) People will be going about their business as usual (believers and unbelievers) when the Lord returns. (Matthew 24:40-41)

But the most important thing to take away from today’s readings is Jesus’ warning to remain faithfully obedient while we await His return. Jesus gives this warning several times in different ways. “Blessed is that servant whom his master will find so doing when he comes.” (Matthew 24:46) It is far too easy to become complacent. In the name of grace, we are tempted to take sin far too lightly. As we continue to read this year, consider all the verses that command our pursuit of holiness, purity, and obedience. Also, take to heart all the verses which charge us to be faithful with the Gospel message —

• Philemon 1:6 — And I pray that the sharing of your faith may become effective for the full knowledge of every good thing that is in us for the sake of Christ.
• Romans 1:16 — For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.
• Romans 10:14-15 — How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!”
• Jude 1:20-23 — But you, beloved, building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life. And have mercy on those who doubt; save others by snatching them out of the fire; to others show mercy with fear, hating even the garment stained by the flesh.

“Cross” Fit S-WOD (Spiritual Workout of the Day) – 28 Jan 21: Today, clean your house – remove the things in your life that you know are unacceptable to your Lord and Savior. (1 Peter 1:15, 16) Share the Gospel with someone today.