MATTHEW 25 BE WATCHFUL The disciples were learning from the Lord truths from the kingdom of heaven and how things were going to unfold in time to come. The Coming of the Lord does not only include the rapture of the Church at the end of the day of grace when the Lord Jesus has claimed a bride from the nations of the whole world, but it also includes His revelation to the world when He comes in His glory to reign as the Kings of kings. The time of His Coming is unknown. The length of time is not predicted nor implied. The signs give an indication of the promise of His return and should help keep us alert and watching. The way we spend our time is important.
Sleeping because of boredom or what we consider a delay is not right. Anticipation of His return is what keeps a person in a state of readiness. Making sure nothing has to be done and our lives are in order is part of being watchful in view of His return. There may be weariness because of labor but we must still be watching. The time may seem long and we don't understand fully the waiting time, but we must still be watchful. The years may seem to drag on of our inactivity because of the aging process, but we still need to be watching. Being ready and watchful is motivated by our appreciation and love for the Bridegroom we are waiting for. Those suffering saints through the years were wanting to see the Lord come before they died but still, they were watchful and the word "Maranatha" was never far from their lips. The day is coming because the promise of God is sure.
Another lesson the Lord gave His disciples as I watched and listened, was that the waiting and watching times are to be filled with useful action for Him and the building up of His kingdom. It is not enough for us to be ready and watching ourselves. God's intention is that we use whatever God has given us wisely and for His glory. He knows each one of us and His expectations of us are not unrealistic. The talents were His in the first place and He has given them to us to use. We are not our own, we have been bought with the price of the precious blood of Christ. Our ability determines the responsibility. "To whom much has been given, much is required."
Talents were first measured weights of about 75 pounds. Later they became coins that were valued and used for monetary exchange. Now talent has to do with natural ability to fulfill some role. That may differ from person to person. God has left us here as citizens of His kingdom to produce benefits for His kingdom. In the Gospel activity, one plants, another waters, according to his or her talents. In the body of Christ there are gifts given that are actually people themselves - evangelists, pastors and teachers. In the assembly of believers in an area where God has established a testimony to His name, there is a variety of gifts used along with natural talents to do the work of the Lord. We were never intended to be idle while we watch for His coming. Each person is known by Him and God will never demand from a person that which he or she is not able to do.
Being watchful does not mean we only watch for His return. It also involves watching for ways to serve Him acceptably. Basically, our service for God means we serve people. The "bags of gold" are not what we are to multiply. The value of the souls of men and women goes way beyond what the world would term valuable. The prayer of a new believer; the first hymn of praise sung from the heart of a redeemed soul; the light of understanding when one gets something from the word of God for the first time are all talents that are added to what has been given us.
There is another reason for watchfulness. The final part of the Lord Coming means a gathering of nations will take place. There are now, and there will be during the time of tribulation, those who show the kindness of God to those who are in need and will seek to meet those needs. The needs may be physical, emotional and spiritual. The same will take place when the Jews again will be hunted and tormented in the future as they have been in the past.
We cannot meet every need, but when we are watching out for those the Lord brings us in contact with, we cannot walk away as if we have no responsibility to them. There are lasting consequences to an unmerciful attitude toward those who are undergoing persecution. During the tribulation, survival will be the greatest need of the Jewish people when the antichrist turns on them and seeks to annihilate them. The judgment of the nations is not explained in detail but there is no doubt about the Lord's commitment to the nation of Israel as His earthly people. All nations that have sought to oppose and defeat Israel will find that the King of kings is not only on their side, but was from that nation when He was found in fashion as a man on earth. The Word of God is plain that there is eternal punishment for those who are opposed to the Lord Jesus Christ and His people, and eternal life for those who love, obey and serve Him. "Eternal" is the word used for both destinies. There is no suggestion of the weakening of the consequences of rejection, or of the blessing of the righteous.
It is highest wisdom to pay attention when the Lord speaks to His own. His words have weighty messages as He spoke of things to come. To be watchful and ready as this age draws to a close Means there are consequences to every action that I choose.
There is a tendency to settle down comfortably as we wait For the Lord to come and call us thinking there is a lot of time yet To fulfill the work God gave us, but we need to stop and think The Lord could come today and we'd be changed faster than a blink.
Watching and waiting also means we keep things up to date. Not leaving things undone, not willing to procrastinate. What we do as to the Lord should be done with responsibility. And the on-going work we are called to, be done enthusiastically.
God has given to us what we need to finish all the tasks. If we take opportunity, as a moment we must grasp In faith we invest our time and talents where they find the best use. And with care and conviction do our best where God alone does choose.
Faithful service will be rewarded, faithlessness will mean loss. There are consequences to face if we neglect to pay the cost Of living for the Lord in spite of what others may do. The value of the talents given will be accounted for when we are through.
In a day that's yet to come all the nations will be gathered. The Jewish people will come together from where they've all been scattered. There on His throne of justice the Lord will judge the nations. Blessing will be given to some, and to others - condemnation.
"Heavenly Father, for some reason I am tired today. Would it be alright if I took awhile to rest even though there is a meeting tonight? Would some of the thoughts come into my mind from Thee make the message relevant to those who attend? I ask this in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen."