Mateus 24
John Trapp · Citado em PreceptAustin
Mateus 24
Trapp - Suetonius tells us that it was a piece of Julius Caesar's policy never to fore-acquaint his soldiers of any set time of removal or onset, that he might ever have them in readiness to draw forth whithersoever he would. Douglas Sean O'Donnell - To "stay awake" or to "be ready" is more than the attitude of attentiveness. It is also the actions of attentiveness. We are to wait expectantly as we work expectantly. Toward the end of John Calvin's life, when his friends wanted him to work less for the sake of his declining health, he would often reply to them, "Would you have my Master find me idle?"… the illustration of Noah and the flood. Jesus gives the story from the perspective of those who were judged-"the careless (or clueless)." But if you see (and of course we know) that story from Noah's perspective, we know that Noah worked and worked and worked on that big box of a boat. What a picture of expectancy! He had both the attitude (he had to have had it) and the actions of attentiveness. He thought, Judgment is coming. I believe God's word. I'd better do what he says. I better get to work.(Matthew Commentary-Preaching the Word) More from Rev. Kinde - My mother has recently experienced the reality of an unexpected thief. She had been out on her daily rounds and sensed that she should break her normal routine and return home for some reason. As she walked up to the front door she noticed that the door knob was smashed. She walked around the side of the condo and saw in the window a man stacking things by the door. She turned to the neighbors, called the police, and began to write down the license plate number of the strange pick-up truck. The man walked out of the house and saw Mom's car in the drive and kept walking to his pick-up truck lowered the tailgate so as to hide his license plate and drove off. Jesus' return will be as unexpected as a thief standing at your door when you return home. Are you ready? (Nelson's Annual Preacher's Sourcebook - 2007) SECOND COMING QUOTES Has not our Lord Jesus carried up our flesh into heaven and shall He not return? We know that He shall return. —John Knox I ardently hope that amidst all these internal dissentions on earth Jesus Christ will hasten the day of His coming. —Martin Luther The Spirit in the heart of the true believer says with earnest desire, Come, Lord Jesus. —John Wesley We must hunger after Christ until the dawning of that great day when our Lord will fully manifest the glory of His kingdom. —John Calvin Many times when I go to bed at night I think to myself that before I awaken Christ may come. —Billy Graham The coming again of Jesus Christ and the end of the age occupies some 1,845 Scriptural verses. —John Wesley White We are not just looking for something to happen, we are looking for Someone to come! And when these things begin to come to pass, we are not to drop our heads in discouragement or shake our heads in despair, but rather lift up our heads in delight. —Vance Havner Their eschatology saved them from utter despair.—W. R. Estep about the Anabaptists during intense persecution The primitive church thought more about the Second Coming of Jesus Christ than about death or about heaven. The early Christians were looking not for a cleft in the ground called a grave but for a cleavage in the sky called Glory. They were watching not for the undertaker but for the uppertaker. - Alexander Maclaren I hope that the day is near at hand when the advent of the great God will appear, for all things everywhere are boiling, burning, moving, falling, sinking, groaning. - Martin Luther Pastor Horatius Bonar lived in the glow of Christ's coming. As he would conclude his day's ministry, he would draw the curtains of his window and utter as he looked upward, "Perhaps tonight, Lord!" In the morning, as he awoke and looked out on the dawn of a new day, he would pray, looking up into the sky, "Perhaps today, Lord!" - George Sweeting He that rose from the clods we expect from the clouds. -Thomas Adams When it comes to belief in the Lord's return there are two kinds of Christians—gazers and goers. - Anon. He who loves the coming of the Lord is not he who affirms it is far off, nor is it he who says it is near. It is he who, whether it be far or near, awaits it with sincere faith, stead-fast hope and fervent love. - Augustine That day lies hid that every day we be on the watch. - Augustine It is a bad sign when people start discussing eschatology instead of preparing for the coming of Christ. - John Blanchard Many people will be surprised when Jesus comes again—but nobody will be mistaken. - John Blanchard The certainty of the Second Coming of Christ should touch and tincture every part of our daily behavior. - John Blanchard The Christ who rose from the earth and now reigns over earth will one day return to the earth. - John Blanchard When Christ returns, the second advent will no longer be a subject for discussion. - John Blanchard Christ keeps the minds of believers in a state of suspense until the last day. - John Calvin In the first advent God veiled his divinity to prove the faithful; in the second advent he will manifest his glory to reward their faith. - Chrysostom The only remedy for all this mass of misery is the return of our Lord Jesus Christ. Why do we not plead for it every time we hear the clock strike? - Anthony Ashley Cooper As Christians, we should not be exitists, looking for our going, but adventists, looking for his coming. - William Freel The subject of the second coming of Christ has never been popular to any but the true believer. - Billy Graham Christ hath told us he will come, but not when, that we might never put off our clothes, or put out the candle. - William Gurnall Oh, the joy to see thee reigning, Thee, my own beloved Lord! Every tongue thy name confessing, Worship, honour, glory, blessing, Brought to thee with glad accord— Thee, my Master and my Friend, Vindicated and enthroned, Unto earth's remotest end Glorified, adored and owned! Frances Ridley Havergal Christ will come when he pleases, to show his sovereignty, and will not let us know when, to teach us our duty. - Matthew Henry When Jesus comes there will be instant job satisfaction for us. - David N. Jones If this is not an intergral part of the faith once given to the saints, I do not know what is. - C. S. Lewis Precisely because we cannot predict the moment, we must be ready at all moments. - C. S. Lewis The primitive church thought a great deal more about the coming of Christ than about death, and thought a great deal more about his coming than about heaven. - Alexander MacLaren I never preach a sermon without thinking that possibly the Lord may come before I preach another. - D. L. Moody Christ is coming to the earth, in such form at least as shall fulfil his purposes of mercy to his friends and justice to his foes. - Thomas V. Moore I never begin my work in the morning without thinking that perhaps he may interrupt my work and begin his own. I am not looking for death, I am looking for him. - G. Campbell Morgan There is such a danger of our being so occupied with the things that are to come more than with him who is to come. - Andrew Murray Millions of graves are dug every year, but it is inspiring to think that one generation of Christians will cheat the undertaker. - J. C. Pollock Oh, that Christ would make long strides! Oh, that he would fold up the heavens as a cloak, and shovel time and days out of the way! - Samuel Rutherford In all our thoughts about Christ, let us never forget his second advent. - J. C. Ryle There shall be no time for parting words or a change of mind when the Lord appears. - J. C. Ryle Uncertainty about the date of the Lord's return is calculated to keep believers in an attitude of constant expectation and to preserve them from despondency. - J. C. Ryle When Christ comes again, the remains of ignorance shall be rolled away. - J. C. Ryle If I knew that our Lord would come this evening, I should preach just as I mean to preach; and if I knew he would come during this sermon, I would go on preaching until he did. - C. H. Spurgeon Oh, that the Lord would come! He is coming! He is on the road and traveling quickly. The sound of his approach should be as music to our hearts! - C. H. Spurgeon The fact that Jesus Christ is to come again is not a reason for star-gazing, but for working in the power of the Holy Ghost. - C. H. Spurgeon Since he may come any day, it is well to be ready every day. - J. Hudson Taylor He who came in humility and shame will return in spectacular magnificence. - John R. W. Stott The imminent return of our Lord is the great Bible argument for a pure, unselfish, devoted, unworldly, active life of service. - R. A. Torrey This is pinned as a badge to the sleeve of every true believer—that he looks for and longs for Christ's coming to judgment. -John Trapp The Christian hope is not a matter for tickling our minds, but for changing our minds and influencing society. - Stephen Travis I am daily waiting for the coming of the Son of God. - George Whitefield The brightness of Christ's advent will reveal the true character of those things which were previously hidden by darkness. - Geoffrey B. Wilson (Most but not all of the quotes are from John Blanchard's excellent resource The Complete Gathered Gold: A Treasury of Quotations for Christians - available digitally in Logos.com and Wordsearch.com) See also Table comparing Rapture vs Second Coming THE KING IS COMING! Read Ira Sankey's story behind the hymn Rejoice! Rejoice! our King is coming! And the time will not be long, Until we hail the radiant dawning, And lift up the glad new song. Refrain Oh, wondrous day! oh, glorious morning, When the Son of Man shall come! May we with lamps all trimmed and burning Gladly welcome His return! Rejoice! Rejoice! our King is coming! And the time will not be long, Until we hail the radiant dawning, And lift up the glad new song. Refrain With joy we wait our King's returning From His heavenly mansions fair; And with ten thousand saints appearing We shall meet Him in the air. Refrain Oh, may we never weary, watching, Never lay our armor down Until He come, and with rejoicing Give to each the promised crown. Refrain Vance Havner - PROPHETIC DOCTRINE AND PRACTICAL DUTY Throughout the Word of God one thing stands out crystal clear in this matter of prophecy: wherever the Holy Spirit sets forth some great prophetic truth, He joins it every time with a practical exhortation as to what we are to do about it. The first truth that grows out of all this is, of course, the necessity for preparation. "Prepare to meet thy God." "Therefore be ye also ready; for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh" (Mt. 24:44). I heard a minister tell how he as a boy tried hard to weigh one hundred pounds. He could weigh ninety-five and ninety-six but he could not reach the coveted hundred mark. One day he stepped on the scales and, to his astonishment, went way over the mark. He gave a yell of triumph, but just then he heard a chuckle behind him and looked around to discover that his older brother had put a big foot on the scales. I know something better than that. God had a mark that I could not reach, but my Elder Brother, the Lord Jesus Christ, did not merely add His weight to mine; He put Himself in my place and God reckons me righteous in Him, because as a convicted sinner I received Him as my Saviour and rest in His finished work and perfect righteousness. So it is He Who is coming Who prepares me for His coming. In the Christ Who came I am ready for the Christ Who will come. (Van Havner Notebook - Quotations) TODAY IN THE WORD - Mt 24:44 - In 1831, Baptist preacher William Miller declared that Jesus would return between 1843 and 1844. Thousands of people from a variety of denominations gathered around Miller in eager expectation of "The Blessed Hope." With the date finally set at October 22, 1844, over 100,000 people stayed up all night waiting for Christ to return. As the morning of October 23 dawned, hope was exchanged for disillusionment. The date became known as the Great Disappointment. Is this what Jesus meant in His repeated exhortations to watchfulness? In our readings for today and tomorrow, we'll see that Jesus explained how we should respond to His prophecies about the end of the age. After Jesus left the temple, He predicted that this glorious structure—the heart of the worship of God—would be destroyed (Mt 24:2). The disciples understandably wanted more information. In response to their questions of what and when, though, Jesus warned them not to be deceived by false teaching. They needed to stand firm (Mt 24:13). He told them that great hardship lay ahead, and yet hope was also present: the gospel will be preached in the whole world, and they have the unfailing word of Jesus that He will return (Mt 24:14, 30). Jesus then clarified that the point of this warning is not to determine the timing of His return; rather, He provided this information so that the disciples could be watchful and prepared. Indeed, Jesus was calling them to wait. This waiting is only possible in light of hope—if Jesus' word is not sure and if He is not returning, then we should all act like the wicked servant (Mt 24:49). But Jesus assured us that the Master will return, and the fate of the hypocrites will come to those who are not prepared. Jesus knew that waiting can be a challenging assignment. So He instructed His followers to guard against deception and remain watchful even in the face of persecution, because we have the hope of His coming in glory. TODAY ALONG THE WAY - Our impatient society doesn't value the discipline of waiting. We prefer to multitask, be sleep-deprived, and fill our appointment books in order to feel busy and therefore important. Jesus' words in this chapter can help reorient us to the ultimate priorities of believers: seeing our lives in light of the reality and hope that He is coming again. As we'll see tomorrow, this waiting watchfulness is not passive, but it does require us to live with a different sense of time than does the rest of the world. (Moody Bible) Ivor Powell's Outline for Matthew 24 is interesting: I. Be Warned… "Not Yet." (Mt 24:1-13) II. Be Wise… "Listen." (Mt 24:14-28) III. Be Watchful… "Look." (Mt 24:29-35) IV. Be Waiting… "Any Moment." (Mt 24:36-44) V. Be Workers… "Constantly." (Mt 24:45-51) (Matthew Commentary) Readiness - One of the earliest kings of England was called Ethelred the Unready! What an interesting name. We wonder if some of his relatives are still around. We wonder if some of his descendants are members of our churches. Vance Havner - Prepared Places for Prepared People - "I go to prepare a place for you." John 14:2. "Be ye also ready." Matthew 24:44. Even in this present world there is always "room at the top," and the man who prepares himself will find a place prepared. There are never enough to go around and there are vacancies always for the man who can really do the job. In the service of God the harvest is plenteous but the laborers are few, and the eyes of the Lord run to and fro looking for a man with a heart perfect toward Him. Samuel prepared himself and God made ready for Samuel. There is a place ready for you if you are ready for the place. And there is a place hereafter for those who make ready. There is an inheritance incorruptible, undefiled and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven. But it is reserved for those who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation. God not only prepares the place, He prepares His people for the place. "Lord, prepare me for what Thou art preparing for me." --Day by Day Robert Neighbour - An Admonition on "Therefore be ye also ready: for in each an hour as ye think not the Son of Man cometh" (Matt. 24:44). Peter, following the Day of Pentecost, cried, "Repent, that the times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord." Surely, if our Lord is coming and if His coming is near, it behooves every one of us to be robed and ready. We do not only want to be raptured with the saints, but we want to reign with the Lord (see 2Ti 2:12). Granting that all redeemed ones will be caught up and changed, yet, who will think for a moment that those caught up and changed will necessarily reign? The matter of reigning with Christ upon this earth, is a matter of rewards. Our position in the millennial earth Kingdom of Christ depends upon our mode of living, our manner of serving, and our fidelity to the faith, down here. Our authority over earth's cities, when the Lord returns, depends on how we "occupy" while the Lord has gone on His far journey (see Luke 19:1, 27). Let us give all diligence to add to our faith those blessed graces of Christian living, for "so shall an abundant entrance be administered unto us, into the everlasting Kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ" (2Peter 1:11), Let us not be satisfied merely to be caught up, but let us press on to reign with honor and a full reward in the Kingdom of our Lord. "Sure I must fight, if I would reign, Increase my courage, Lord; "I'll bear the toil, endure the pain, Supported by Thy Word." Well Prepared - You also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect. —Matthew 24:44 - The idea of always being prepared makes me think of the man who lived next door to us when I was growing up. When Mr. Nienhuis came home, he never failed to back his car into the garage. That seemed unusual to me until my mother explained that Nels was a volunteer fireman. If he got a call, he had to be ready to race to the fire station. He backed in so he could leave quickly when he had to report for duty. To be well prepared is important in so much of life. "If I had 8 hours to chop down a tree, I'd spend 6 sharpening my axe," said Abraham Lincoln. We prepare for a career by studying. We buy insurance in case of a car accident or a house fire. We even prepare for the end of life by making a will to provide for loved ones. The Bible tells us we must prepare ourselves spiritually as well. We do that by putting on spiritual armor to protect ourselves from spiritual attack (Eph. 6:10-20); by preparing our minds for holy living (1Pe 1:13); by making sure we're always prepared to answer questions about the reason for the hope we possess (1Pe 3:15); and by ensuring that we are ready for the promised return of Jesus (Matt. 24:44). How well prepared are you for what lies ahead? Unsure? Ask the Lord for His help and guidance. When I awake at early morn To meet the coming day, I want to be prepared to take Whatever comes my way. —Simmons Spiritual victory comes only to those who are prepared for battle. Fire Mountain - Be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect. —Matthew 24:44 - Rising 2,900 meters (9,600 ft.) above the rainforest in Indonesia's southern Java, Mount Merapi (the Fire Mountain) is one of the world's most dangerous volcanoes. As the Fire Mountain showed signs of renewed activity, authorities tried to evacuate local residents. Then, on May 13, 2006, Merapi spewed a gray plume of sulfurous smoke that resembled a flock of sheep leaving the crater. Amazingly, villagers ignored the signs and returned to tending their livestock, apparently forgetting that in 1994 Merapi had killed 60 people. It's our human tendency to ignore signs. When Jesus left the temple at Jerusalem for the last time, His disciples asked what would signal His return to earth (Matt. 24:3). He told them many things to watch for, but warned that people would still be unprepared. The apostle Peter told us that in the last days scoffers would say of Jesus' return: "Where is the promise of His coming? For since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of creation" (2Peter 3:4). Scoffers are with us today, just as Peter warned. Are you among them? Or are you ready for the Lord Jesus to return? Ignoring these signs is even more dangerous than living in the shadow of the Fire Mountain. By: C. P. Hia To ignore the Bible is to invite disaster. Endtime Events - Be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect. —Matthew 24:44 - In 1947, scientists created the Doomsday Clock to symbolically show how close they believe the world is to a nuclear holocaust. In 1953, after the US tested a hydrogen bomb, the hands were set at 2 minutes before midnight. Since then they have been pushed back and forth 13 times. The clock's safest setting was in 1991, after the US and Russia signed an arms-reduction treaty. The time was then set at 17 minutes before midnight. But in May 1999, after India and Pakistan set off nuclear blasts, the hands were advanced to 11:51. God has a "clock" too. Over the centuries, prophecy buffs have tried to "set the hands" by predicting the "midnight hour" of Christ's return. But their date-settings have failed and left many people disillusioned. Conflicting views of the precise order of events and the nearness of His coming have diverted many from our Lord's primary reason for speaking about these events. He didn't want prophecy to become a divisive battleground, but a unifying truth for believers. When Jesus spoke of His return, it was to remind us to "be ready" (Matthew 24:44). We are to be faithfully serving Him (Mt 24:45) by faithfully serving the needs of others. Let's leave the hands of God's clock in His hands. By: Dennis J. DeHaan The Christ I love is coming soon, It may be morning, night, or noon; My lamps are lit, I'll watch and pray; It may be today, it may be today. —Bixler (c) 1950 Singspiration, Inc. Christ is coming— perhaps today! Are You Ready? - When Jesus promised His disciples that He would one day return to earth, He said He would come at a time they did not expect (Matthew 24:44). Therefore, people today who set dates for Christ's second coming are really wasting their time. Jesus never told His followers how to calculate the day of His return. Rather, He emphasized that our main priority is to make sure we're ready for Him, and that we are occupied in His service when He comes (Mt 24:45-46). A woman who lived by this teaching was shopping in a small country store. Several young people were just standing around doing nothing. Knowing she was a Christian, they began ridiculing her. "We hear you're expecting Jesus to come back," they jeered. "That's right," she replied brightly. "Do you really believe He's coming?" they asked. "Absolutely," she answered. They said, "Well, you'd better hurry home and get ready. He might be on the way!" Facing them, she said, "I don't have to get ready—I keep ready!" Are you ready for the arrival of God's Son? Will you be glad to see Jesus when He returns? If not, get ready now. Without delay, turn away from your sin and trust Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. Then keep ready by walking in His will every day. By: Joanie Yoder The Christ I love is coming soon, It may be morning, night, or noon; My lamps are lit, I'll watch and pray; It may be today, it may be today. —Bixler Jesus may come at any time, so we must be ready all the time. Perhaps Today - You also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect. —Matthew 24:44 A year ago, I read an article saying that millions of TV sets in the United States would stop working today unless they were able to receive digital signals. Notices appeared in electronics stores, and the government even offered a free $40 coupon toward the purchase of a converter box. I suspect that most people took the necessary steps to make sure their TV set would work when they turned it on today. We usually respond well to warnings tied to specific dates, but often fail to prepare for an event that will come "some day." When the disciples asked Jesus about the date of His return (Matt. 24:3), He told them that only God the Father knows: "But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, but My Father only" (Mt 24:36). Then He urged them to be prepared so that they would not be taken by surprise. "Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect" (Mt 24:44). "Perhaps Today" When we make our daily plans, are we aware that Christ may return? Are we prepared to meet Him? By: David C. McCasland The darkness deepens! Yes, but dawn is nearer! The Lord from heaven may soon be on His way; The "blessed hope" in these dark days grows dearer, Our Savior Christ will come—perhaps today! —Smith If Christ comes today, will you be ready to meet Him? An Ordinary Day - Watch therefore, for you do not know what hour your Lord is coming. —Matthew 24:42 - While exploring a museum exhibit titled "A Day in Pompeii," I was struck by the repeated theme that August 24, ad 79 began as an ordinary day. People were going about their daily business in homes, markets, and at the port of this prosperous Roman town of 20,000 people. At 8 a.m., a series of small emissions were seen coming from nearby Mount Vesuvius, followed by a violent eruption in the afternoon. In less than 24 hours, Pompeii and many of its people lay buried under a thick layer of volcanic ash. Unexpected. Jesus told His followers that He would return on a day when people were going about their business, sharing meals, and having weddings, with no idea of what was about to happen. "As the days of Noah were, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be" (Matt. 24:37). The Lord's purpose was to urge the disciples to be watchful and prepared: "Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect" (Mt 24:44). What surprising joy it would be to welcome our Savior on this ordinary day! By: David C. McCasland Dirty Dishes - Abide in Him, that when He appears, we may have confidence and not be ashamed before Him at His coming. —1 John 2:28 - When I was a boy, my father often traveled to other cities to speak at churches and Bible conferences. Sometimes my mother would accompany him, leaving my brother and me alone for a few days. We enjoyed being independent, but we detested doing the dishes. I remember the time we tried to put off that dreaded chore as long as possible by stacking all the dirty plates, glasses, and silverware in the oven after each meal. At the end of the week, there was hardly any room left. Then, on the evening before Mom and Dad were to return, we rolled up our sleeves and cleaned up the whole mess. It took hours! How ashamed we would have been if our parents had come back earlier than we expected. Because we don't know exactly when Christ will return (Matthew 24:36,42,44), we must not get lazy in our Christian walk. The expectancy of His any-moment appearance should help us to be "faithful and wise" servants (Mt 24:45) and to live in a way that "we may have confidence and not be ashamed" when He comes (1 John 2:28). Yes, Christ will come again, just as He promised. Perhaps today! Do you have any "dirty dishes"? Now is the time to get ready. By: Richard DeHaan Faithful and true would He find us here If He should come today? Watching in gladness and not in fear, If He should come today. —Morris Live today as if Christ is coming back today. Matthew 24:45 "Who then is the faithful and sensible slave whom his master put in charge of his household to give them their food at the proper time?: Tis ara estin (3SPAI) o pistos doulos kai phronimos on katestesen (3SAAI) o kurios epi tes oiketeias autou tou dounai (AAN) autois ten trophen en kairo: CLICK FOR >60 ENGLISH TRANSLATIONS OF THIS VERSE Is the faithful: Lu 12:41-43 Lk 16:10-12 Lk 19:17 Ac 20:28 1Co 4:1,2 1Ti 1:12 2Ti 2:2 Heb 3:5 1Pe 4:10,11 Rev 2:13 to give them: Mt 13:52 25:35-40 Ezek 34:2 John 21:15-17 1Co 3:1,2 Eph 4:11-13 1Pe 5:1-3 Matthew 24 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries THE FAITHFUL AND SENSIBLE SLAVE The emphasis in the preceding illustrations (Mt 24:37-44) has been on maintaining a state of alertness regarding Christ's return at an unknown day and hour. Now Jesus shifts the emphasis so that in Mt 24:45-47 He focuses on the importance of how we are to live in light of His imminent return. Now He describes "mean time" living or how we are to live faithfully and sensibly as we wait for His return. Remember that readiness (Mt 24:44) will always promote faithfulness (Mt 24:45)! Henry Alford on Mt 24:45-47 - Our Lord had given this parabolic exhortation before, Luke 12:42-46. Many of these His last sayings in public are solemn repetitions of, and references to, things already said by Him. Alfred Plummer - The second illustration is more complete than the first. It gives the blessedness of the watchful servant as well as the dreadful fate of the one who dares to treat uncertainty about the time of the Master's return as equivalent to certainty that He will not return soon. And it is more complete in another way. The householder could not be certain that the thief would come at all; he had to be on his guard against an attack that was only probable. The servant was certain that the Master would return; the only doubt was as to the time: and that is just the case with the Christian. (Ibid)
Mateus 24:43-51
Trapp - Suetonius tells us that it was a piece of Julius Caesar's policy never to fore-acquaint his soldiers of any set time of removal or onset, that he might ever have them in readiness to draw forth whithersoever he would. Sean O'Connell - To "stay awake" or to "be ready" is more than the attitude of attentiveness. It is also the actions of attentiveness. We are to wait expectantly as we work expectantly. Toward the end of John Calvin's life, when his friends wanted him to work less for the sake of his declining health, he would often reply to them, "Would you have my Master find me idle?"… the illustration of Noah and the flood. Jesus gives the story from the perspective of those who were judged-"the careless (or clueless)." But if you see (and of course we know) that story from Noah's perspective, we know that Noah worked and worked and worked on that big box of a boat. What a picture of expectancy! He had both the attitude (he had to have had it) and the actions of attentiveness. He thought, Judgment is coming. I believe God's word. I'd better do what he says. I better get to work. (Matthew Commentary-Preaching the Word) More from Rev. Kinde - My mother has recently experienced the reality of an unexpected thief. She had been out on her daily rounds and sensed that she should break her normal routine and return home for some reason. As she walked up to the front door she noticed that the door knob was smashed. She walked around the side of the condo and saw in the window a man stacking things by the door. She turned to the neighbors, called the police, and began to write down the license plate number of the strange pick-up truck. The man walked out of the house and saw Mom's car in the drive and kept walking to his pick-up truck lowered the tailgate so as to hide his license plate and drove off. Jesus' return will be as unexpected as a thief standing at your door when you return home. Are you ready? (Nelson's Annual Preacher's Sourcebook - 2007) SECOND COMING QUOTES Has not our Lord Jesus carried up our flesh into heaven and shall He not return? We know that He shall return. —John Knox I ardently hope that amidst all these internal dissentions on earth Jesus Christ will hasten the day of His coming. —Martin Luther The Spirit in the heart of the true believer says with earnest desire, Come, Lord Jesus. —John Wesley We must hunger after Christ until the dawning of that great day when our Lord will fully manifest the glory of His kingdom. —John Calvin Many times when I go to bed at night I think to myself that before I awaken Christ may come. —Billy Graham The coming again of Jesus Christ and the end of the age occupies some 1,845 Scriptural verses. —John Wesley White We are not just looking for something to happen, we are looking for Someone to come! And when these things begin to come to pass, we are not to drop our heads in discouragement or shake our heads in despair, but rather lift up our heads in delight. —Vance Havner Their eschatology saved them from utter despair.—W. R. Estep about the Anabaptists during intense persecution The primitive church thought more about the Second Coming of Jesus Christ than about death or about heaven. The early Christians were looking not for a cleft in the ground called a grave but for a cleavage in the sky called Glory. They were watching not for the undertaker but for the uppertaker. - Alexander Maclaren I hope that the day is near at hand when the advent of the great God will appear, for all things everywhere are boiling, burning, moving, falling, sinking, groaning. - Martin Luther Pastor Horatius Bonar lived in the glow of Christ's coming. As he would conclude his day's ministry, he would draw the curtains of his window and utter as he looked upward, "Perhaps tonight, Lord!" In the morning, as he awoke and looked out on the dawn of a new day, he would pray, looking up into the sky, "Perhaps today, Lord!" - George Sweeting He that rose from the clods we expect from the clouds. -Thomas Adams When it comes to belief in the Lord's return there are two kinds of Christians—gazers and goers. - Anon. He who loves the coming of the Lord is not he who affirms it is far off, nor is it he who says it is near. It is he who, whether it be far or near, awaits it with sincere faith, stead-fast hope and fervent love. - Augustine That day lies hid that every day we be on the watch. - Augustine It is a bad sign when people start discussing eschatology instead of preparing for the coming of Christ. - John Blanchard Many people will be surprised when Jesus comes again—but nobody will be mistaken. - John Blanchard The certainty of the Second Coming of Christ should touch and tincture every part of our daily behavior. - John Blanchard The Christ who rose from the earth and now reigns over earth will one day return to the earth. - John Blanchard When Christ returns, the second advent will no longer be a subject for discussion. - John Blanchard Christ keeps the minds of believers in a state of suspense until the last day. - John Calvin In the first advent God veiled his divinity to prove the faithful; in the second advent he will manifest his glory to reward their faith. - Chrysostom The only remedy for all this mass of misery is the return of our Lord Jesus Christ. Why do we not plead for it every time we hear the clock strike? - Anthony Ashley Cooper As Christians, we should not be exitists, looking for our going, but adventists, looking for his coming. - William Freel The subject of the second coming of Christ has never been popular to any but the true believer. - Billy Graham Christ hath told us he will come, but not when, that we might never put off our clothes, or put out the candle. - William Gurnall Oh, the joy to see thee reigning, Thee, my own beloved Lord! Every tongue thy name confessing, Worship, honour, glory, blessing, Brought to thee with glad accord— Thee, my Master and my Friend, Vindicated and enthroned, Unto earth's remotest end Glorified, adored and owned! Frances Ridley Havergal Christ will come when he pleases, to show his sovereignty, and will not let us know when, to teach us our duty. - Matthew Henry When Jesus comes there will be instant job satisfaction for us. - David N. Jones If this is not an intergral part of the faith once given to the saints, I do not know what is. - C. S. Lewis Precisely because we cannot predict the moment, we must be ready at all moments. - C. S. Lewis The primitive church thought a great deal more about the coming of Christ than about death, and thought a great deal more about his coming than about heaven. - Alexander MacLaren I never preach a sermon without thinking that possibly the Lord may come before I preach another. - D. L. Moody Christ is coming to the earth, in such form at least as shall fulfil his purposes of mercy to his friends and justice to his foes. - Thomas V. Moore I never begin my work in the morning without thinking that perhaps he may interrupt my work and begin his own. I am not looking for death, I am looking for him. - G. Campbell Morgan There is such a danger of our being so occupied with the things that are to come more than with him who is to come. - Andrew Murray Millions of graves are dug every year, but it is inspiring to think that one generation of Christians will cheat the undertaker. - J. C. Pollock Oh, that Christ would make long strides! Oh, that he would fold up the heavens as a cloak, and shovel time and days out of the way! - Samuel Rutherford In all our thoughts about Christ, let us never forget his second advent. - J. C. Ryle There shall be no time for parting words or a change of mind when the Lord appears. - J. C. Ryle Uncertainty about the date of the Lord's return is calculated to keep believers in an attitude of constant expectation and to preserve them from despondency. - J. C. Ryle When Christ comes again, the remains of ignorance shall be rolled away. - J. C. Ryle If I knew that our Lord would come this evening, I should preach just as I mean to preach; and if I knew he would come during this sermon, I would go on preaching until he did. - C. H. Spurgeon Oh, that the Lord would come! He is coming! He is on the road and traveling quickly. The sound of his approach should be as music to our hearts! - C. H. Spurgeon The fact that Jesus Christ is to come again is not a reason for star-gazing, but for working in the power of the Holy Ghost. - C. H. Spurgeon Since he may come any day, it is well to be ready every day. - J. Hudson Taylor He who came in humility and shame will return in spectacular magnificence. - John R. W. Stott The imminent return of our Lord is the great Bible argument for a pure, unselfish, devoted, unworldly, active life of service. - R. A. Torrey This is pinned as a badge to the sleeve of every true believer—that he looks for and longs for Christ's coming to judgment. -John Trapp The Christian hope is not a matter for tickling our minds, but for changing our minds and influencing society. - Stephen Travis I am daily waiting for the coming of the Son of God. - George Whitefield The brightness of Christ's advent will reveal the true character of those things which were previously hidden by darkness. - Geoffrey B. Wilson (Most but not all of the quotes are from John Blanchard's excellent resource The Complete Gathered Gold: A Treasury of Quotations for Christians - available digitally in Logos.com and Wordsearch.com) See also Table comparing Rapture vs Second Coming THE KING IS COMING! Read Ira Sankey's story behind the hymn Rejoice! Rejoice! our King is coming! And the time will not be long, Until we hail the radiant dawning, And lift up the glad new song. Refrain Oh, wondrous day! oh, glorious morning, When the Son of Man shall come! May we with lamps all trimmed and burning Gladly welcome His return! Rejoice! Rejoice! our King is coming! And the time will not be long, Until we hail the radiant dawning, And lift up the glad new song. Refrain With joy we wait our King's returning From His heavenly mansions fair; And with ten thousand saints appearing We shall meet Him in the air. Refrain Oh, may we never weary, watching, Never lay our armor down Until He come, and with rejoicing Give to each the promised crown. Refrain Vance Havner - PROPHETIC DOCTRINE AND PRACTICAL DUTY Throughout the Word of God one thing stands out crystal clear in this matter of prophecy: wherever the Holy Spirit sets forth some great prophetic truth, He joins it every time with a practical exhortation as to what we are to do about it. The first truth that grows out of all this is, of course, the necessity for preparation. "Prepare to meet thy God." "Therefore be ye also ready; for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh" (Mt. 24:44). I heard a minister tell how he as a boy tried hard to weigh one hundred pounds. He could weigh ninety-five and ninety-six but he could not reach the coveted hundred mark. One day he stepped on the scales and, to his astonishment, went way over the mark. He gave a yell of triumph, but just then he heard a chuckle behind him and looked around to discover that his older brother had put a big foot on the scales. I know something better than that. God had a mark that I could not reach, but my Elder Brother, the Lord Jesus Christ, did not merely add His weight to mine; He put Himself in my place and God reckons me righteous in Him, because as a convicted sinner I received Him as my Saviour and rest in His finished work and perfect righteousness. So it is He Who is coming Who prepares me for His coming. In the Christ Who came I am ready for the Christ Who will come. (Van Havner Notebook - Quotations) TODAY IN THE WORD - Mt 24:44 - In 1831, Baptist preacher William Miller declared that Jesus would return between 1843 and 1844. Thousands of people from a variety of denominations gathered around Miller in eager expectation of "The Blessed Hope." With the date finally set at October 22, 1844, over 100,000 people stayed up all night waiting for Christ to return. As the morning of October 23 dawned, hope was exchanged for disillusionment. The date became known as the Great Disappointment. Is this what Jesus meant in His repeated exhortations to watchfulness? In our readings for today and tomorrow, we'll see that Jesus explained how we should respond to His prophecies about the end of the age. After Jesus left the temple, He predicted that this glorious structure—the heart of the worship of God—would be destroyed (Mt 24:2). The disciples understandably wanted more information. In response to their questions of what and when, though, Jesus warned them not to be deceived by false teaching. They needed to stand firm (Mt 24:13). He told them that great hardship lay ahead, and yet hope was also present: the gospel will be preached in the whole world, and they have the unfailing word of Jesus that He will return (Mt 24:14, 30). Jesus then clarified that the point of this warning is not to determine the timing of His return; rather, He provided this information so that the disciples could be watchful and prepared. Indeed, Jesus was calling them to wait. This waiting is only possible in light of hope—if Jesus' word is not sure and if He is not returning, then we should all act like the wicked servant (Mt 24:49). But Jesus assured us that the Master will return, and the fate of the hypocrites will come to those who are not prepared. Jesus knew that waiting can be a challenging assignment. So He instructed His followers to guard against deception and remain watchful even in the face of persecution, because we have the hope of His coming in glory. TODAY ALONG THE WAY - Our impatient society doesn't value the discipline of waiting. We prefer to multitask, be sleep-deprived, and fill our appointment books in order to feel busy and therefore important. Jesus' words in this chapter can help reorient us to the ultimate priorities of believers: seeing our lives in light of the reality and hope that He is coming again. As we'll see tomorrow, this waiting watchfulness is not passive, but it does require us to live with a different sense of time than does the rest of the world. (Moody Bible) Ivor Powell's Outline for Matthew 24 is interesting: I. Be Warned… "Not Yet." (Mt 24:1-13) II. Be Wise… "Listen." (Mt 24:14-28) III. Be Watchful… "Look." (Mt 24:29-35) IV. Be Waiting… "Any Moment." (Mt 24:36-44) V. Be Workers… "Constantly." (Mt 24:45-51) (Matthew Commentary) Readiness - One of the earliest kings of England was called Ethelred the Unready! What an interesting name. We wonder if some of his relatives are still around. We wonder if some of his descendants are members of our churches. Vance Havner - Prepared Places for Prepared People - "I go to prepare a place for you." John 14:2. "Be ye also ready." Matthew 24:44. Even in this present world there is always "room at the top," and the man who prepares himself will find a place prepared. There are never enough to go around and there are vacancies always for the man who can really do the job. In the service of God the harvest is plenteous but the laborers are few, and the eyes of the Lord run to and fro looking for a man with a heart perfect toward Him. Samuel prepared himself and God made ready for Samuel. There is a place ready for you if you are ready for the place. And there is a place hereafter for those who make ready. There is an inheritance incorruptible, undefiled and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven. But it is reserved for those who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation. God not only prepares the place, He prepares His people for the place. "Lord, prepare me for what Thou art preparing for me." --Day by Day Robert Neighbour - An Admonition on "Therefore be ye also ready: for in each an hour as ye think not the Son of Man cometh" (Matt. 24:44). Peter, following the Day of Pentecost, cried, "Repent, that the times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord." Surely, if our Lord is coming and if His coming is near, it behooves every one of us to be robed and ready. We do not only want to be raptured with the saints, but we want to reign with the Lord (see 2Ti 2:12). Granting that all redeemed ones will be caught up and changed, yet, who will think for a moment that those caught up and changed will necessarily reign? The matter of reigning with Christ upon this earth, is a matter of rewards. Our position in the millennial earth Kingdom of Christ depends upon our mode of living, our manner of serving, and our fidelity to the faith, down here. Our authority over earth's cities, when the Lord returns, depends on how we "occupy" while the Lord has gone on His far journey (see Luke 19:1, 27). Let us give all diligence to add to our faith those blessed graces of Christian living, for "so shall an abundant entrance be administered unto us, into the everlasting Kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ" (2Peter 1:11), Let us not be satisfied merely to be caught up, but let us press on to reign with honor and a full reward in the Kingdom of our Lord. "Sure I must fight, if I would reign, Increase my courage, Lord; "I'll bear the toil, endure the pain, Supported by Thy Word." Well Prepared - You also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect. —Matthew 24:44 - The idea of always being prepared makes me think of the man who lived next door to us when I was growing up. When Mr. Nienhuis came home, he never failed to back his car into the garage. That seemed unusual to me until my mother explained that Nels was a volunteer fireman. If he got a call, he had to be ready to race to the fire station. He backed in so he could leave quickly when he had to report for duty. To be well prepared is important in so much of life. "If I had 8 hours to chop down a tree, I'd spend 6 sharpening my axe," said Abraham Lincoln. We prepare for a career by studying. We buy insurance in case of a car accident or a house fire. We even prepare for the end of life by making a will to provide for loved ones. The Bible tells us we must prepare ourselves spiritually as well. We do that by putting on spiritual armor to protect ourselves from spiritual attack (Eph. 6:10-20); by preparing our minds for holy living (1Pe 1:13); by making sure we're always prepared to answer questions about the reason for the hope we possess (1Pe 3:15); and by ensuring that we are ready for the promised return of Jesus (Matt. 24:44). How well prepared are you for what lies ahead? Unsure? Ask the Lord for His help and guidance. When I awake at early morn To meet the coming day, I want to be prepared to take Whatever comes my way. —Simmons Spiritual victory comes only to those who are prepared for battle. Fire Mountain - Be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect. —Matthew 24:44 - Rising 2,900 meters (9,600 ft.) above the rainforest in Indonesia's southern Java, Mount Merapi (the Fire Mountain) is one of the world's most dangerous volcanoes. As the Fire Mountain showed signs of renewed activity, authorities tried to evacuate local residents. Then, on May 13, 2006, Merapi spewed a gray plume of sulfurous smoke that resembled a flock of sheep leaving the crater. Amazingly, villagers ignored the signs and returned to tending their livestock, apparently forgetting that in 1994 Merapi had killed 60 people. It's our human tendency to ignore signs. When Jesus left the temple at Jerusalem for the last time, His disciples asked what would signal His return to earth (Matt. 24:3). He told them many things to watch for, but warned that people would still be unprepared. The apostle Peter told us that in the last days scoffers would say of Jesus' return: "Where is the promise of His coming? For since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of creation" (2Peter 3:4). Scoffers are with us today, just as Peter warned. Are you among them? Or are you ready for the Lord Jesus to return? Ignoring these signs is even more dangerous than living in the shadow of the Fire Mountain. By: C. P. Hia To ignore the Bible is to invite disaster. Endtime Events - Be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect. —Matthew 24:44 - In 1947, scientists created the Doomsday Clock to symbolically show how close they believe the world is to a nuclear holocaust. In 1953, after the US tested a hydrogen bomb, the hands were set at 2 minutes before midnight. Since then they have been pushed back and forth 13 times. The clock's safest setting was in 1991, after the US and Russia signed an arms-reduction treaty. The time was then set at 17 minutes before midnight. But in May 1999, after India and Pakistan set off nuclear blasts, the hands were advanced to 11:51. God has a "clock" too. Over the centuries, prophecy buffs have tried to "set the hands" by predicting the "midnight hour" of Christ's return. But their date-settings have failed and left many people disillusioned. Conflicting views of the precise order of events and the nearness of His coming have diverted many from our Lord's primary reason for speaking about these events. He didn't want prophecy to become a divisive battleground, but a unifying truth for believers. When Jesus spoke of His return, it was to remind us to "be ready" (Matthew 24:44). We are to be faithfully serving Him (Mt 24:45) by faithfully serving the needs of others. Let's leave the hands of God's clock in His hands. By: Dennis J. DeHaan The Christ I love is coming soon, It may be morning, night, or noon; My lamps are lit, I'll watch and pray; It may be today, it may be today. —Bixler (c) 1950 Singspiration, Inc. Christ is coming— perhaps today! Are You Ready? - When Jesus promised His disciples that He would one day return to earth, He said He would come at a time they did not expect (Matthew 24:44). Therefore, people today who set dates for Christ's second coming are really wasting their time. Jesus never told His followers how to calculate the day of His return. Rather, He emphasized that our main priority is to make sure we're ready for Him, and that we are occupied in His service when He comes (Mt 24:45-46). A woman who lived by this teaching was shopping in a small country store. Several young people were just standing around doing nothing. Knowing she was a Christian, they began ridiculing her. "We hear you're expecting Jesus to come back," they jeered. "That's right," she replied brightly. "Do you really believe He's coming?" they asked. "Absolutely," she answered. They said, "Well, you'd better hurry home and get ready. He might be on the way!" Facing them, she said, "I don't have to get ready—I keep ready!" Are you ready for the arrival of God's Son? Will you be glad to see Jesus when He returns? If not, get ready now. Without delay, turn away from your sin and trust Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. Then keep ready by walking in His will every day. By: Joanie Yoder The Christ I love is coming soon, It may be morning, night, or noon; My lamps are lit, I'll watch and pray; It may be today, it may be today. —Bixler Jesus may come at any time, so we must be ready all the time. Perhaps Today - You also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect. —Matthew 24:44 A year ago, I read an article saying that millions of TV sets in the United States would stop working today unless they were able to receive digital signals. Notices appeared in electronics stores, and the government even offered a free $40 coupon toward the purchase of a converter box. I suspect that most people took the necessary steps to make sure their TV set would work when they turned it on today. We usually respond well to warnings tied to specific dates, but often fail to prepare for an event that will come "some day." When the disciples asked Jesus about the date of His return (Matt. 24:3), He told them that only God the Father knows: "But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, but My Father only" (Mt 24:36). Then He urged them to be prepared so that they would not be taken by surprise. "Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect" (Mt 24:44). "Perhaps Today" When we make our daily plans, are we aware that Christ may return? Are we prepared to meet Him? By: David C. McCasland The darkness deepens! Yes, but dawn is nearer! The Lord from heaven may soon be on His way; The "blessed hope" in these dark days grows dearer, Our Savior Christ will come—perhaps today! —Smith If Christ comes today, will you be ready to meet Him? An Ordinary Day - Watch therefore, for you do not know what hour your Lord is coming. —Matthew 24:42 - While exploring a museum exhibit titled "A Day in Pompeii," I was struck by the repeated theme that August 24, ad 79 began as an ordinary day. People were going about their daily business in homes, markets, and at the port of this prosperous Roman town of 20,000 people. At 8 a.m., a series of small emissions were seen coming from nearby Mount Vesuvius, followed by a violent eruption in the afternoon. In less than 24 hours, Pompeii and many of its people lay buried under a thick layer of volcanic ash. Unexpected. Jesus told His followers that He would return on a day when people were going about their business, sharing meals, and having weddings, with no idea of what was about to happen. "As the days of Noah were, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be" (Matt. 24:37). The Lord's purpose was to urge the disciples to be watchful and prepared: "Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect" (Mt 24:44). What surprising joy it would be to welcome our Savior on this ordinary day! By: David C. McCasland Dirty Dishes - Abide in Him, that when He appears, we may have confidence and not be ashamed before Him at His coming. —1 John 2:28 - When I was a boy, my father often traveled to other cities to speak at churches and Bible conferences. Sometimes my mother would accompany him, leaving my brother and me alone for a few days. We enjoyed being independent, but we detested doing the dishes. I remember the time we tried to put off that dreaded chore as long as possible by stacking all the dirty plates, glasses, and silverware in the oven after each meal. At the end of the week, there was hardly any room left. Then, on the evening before Mom and Dad were to return, we rolled up our sleeves and cleaned up the whole mess. It took hours! How ashamed we would have been if our parents had come back earlier than we expected. Because we don't know exactly when Christ will return (Matthew 24:36,42,44), we must not get lazy in our Christian walk. The expectancy of His any-moment appearance should help us to be "faithful and wise" servants (Mt 24:45) and to live in a way that "we may have confidence and not be ashamed" when He comes (1 John 2:28). Yes, Christ will come again, just as He promised. Perhaps today! Do you have any "dirty dishes"? Now is the time to get ready. By: Richard DeHaan Faithful and true would He find us here If He should come today? Watching in gladness and not in fear, If He should come today. —Morris Live today as if Christ is coming back today. Matthew 24:45 "Who then is the faithful and sensible slave whom his master put in charge of his household to give them their food at the proper time?: Tis ara estin (3SPAI) o pistos doulos kai phronimos on katestesen (3SAAI) o kurios epi tes oiketeias autou tou dounai (AAN) autois ten trophen en kairo: Is the faithful: Lu 12:41-43 Lk 16:10-12 Lk 19:17 Ac 20:28 1Co 4:1,2 1Ti 1:12 2Ti 2:2 Heb 3:5 1Pe 4:10,11 Rev 2:13 to give them: Mt 13:52 25:35-40 Ezek 34:2 John 21:15-17 1Co 3:1,2 Eph 4:11-13 1Pe 5:1-3 THE FAITHFUL AND SENSIBLE SLAVE The emphasis in the preceding illustrations (Mt 24:37-44) has been on maintaining a state of alertness regarding Christ's return at an unknown day and hour. Now Jesus shifts the emphasis so that in Mt 24:45-47 He focuses on the importance of how we are to live in light of His imminent return. Now He describes "mean time" living or how we are to live faithfully and sensibly as we wait for His return. Remember that readiness (Mt 24:44) will always promote faithfulness (Mt 24:45)! Henry Alford on Mt 24:45-47 - Our Lord had given this parabolic exhortation before, Luke 12:42-46. Many of these His last sayings in public are solemn repetitions of, and references to, things already said by Him. Alfred Plummer - The second illustration is more complete than the first. It gives the blessedness of the watchful servant as well as the dreadful fate of the one who dares to treat uncertainty about the time of the Master's return as equivalent to certainty that He will not return soon. And it is more complete in another way. The householder could not be certain that the thief would come at all; he had to be on his guard against an attack that was only probable. The servant was certain that the Master would return; the only doubt was as to the time: and that is just the case with the Christian. (Ibid)