Change in Seasons

Luke 12:40
“You also must be ready all the time, for the Son of Man will come when least expected.”

I was reading a devotional this morning and was convicted to write about it. We will get back to the issue on finances later.

*Have you ever thought about the idea that we could be living in the last days? What kind of impact does this kind of thinking have on your daily routine?

*If you knew that Jesus was coming back today or tomorrow, how would your decisions and actions change?

We can only guess as to when Jesus is actually coming back but WHAT IF he was coming back today? WHAT IF you knew the exact date and time of His return? Jesus specifically tells us that we can’t predict the day or hour of His return in Matthew 24:36 and again in Acts 1:7. Only God knows and in His good time it will all come to pass.

Even though we don’t know the exact date and time of Jesus’ return, He does give us some things to watch for. All throughout the NT the various authors were given things to write about the last days and the Lord’s return through divine intervention. In II Peter 3 we are reminded about all the things that will happen before that great and wonderful day occurs. We may get impatient but Peter tells us in verses 8 and 9 that God’s timing is different than ours and He has a plan. Peter tells us that before the Lord’s return we should focus on meditating on God’s Word (vv. 1-2). He warns us that we will be mocked by scoffers that reject both creation and Jesus’ second coming (vv. 3-7). He also tells us plainly that even though there are numerous warnings found in Scripture concerning the end of days, it will come as a surprise (v. 10).

In II Timothy 3:1-5, Paul tells us that during the last days wickedness will be more common than good. Sin will run rampant and we will see it evident in behaviors like:
• love of self
• worship of money
• disobedience to parents
• ingratitude
• unforgiveness
• abusive attitude
• lack of self-control
• inclination for ones own pleasure rather than God

I write this not to in any way try to predict that we are in the last days. I write this because I am convicted of the things I see all around me and in my own life and walk with Christ. Praise God that He has been chipping away at these areas in my own life. He has thrown me into His refining fire and although it has been painful at times I am grateful that He loves me so much that He will not allow me to stay stuck in my junk. I have a long way to go with some of these topics (unforgiveness, lack of self-control) but God is faithful and I believe that He will finish the work He has begun in my life and my walk.

How about you? Do you see these things around you? Do you see these traits in the workplace or in your home? How about in your church? We have a lot of work to do my brother and sisters. Jesus commands us to:
• love God and others (Mark 12:28-31)
• share the Good News (Matthew 28:19-20)
• live by the Spirit’s power (Galatians 5:22-23)
• keep watch (Matthew 24:36-51)
• Be ready (Matthew 25:1-13)

I pray that we are all ready and prepared in the last days for the return of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!!

God bless and have a great day.