Be on the Alert

Studying: Matthew 22-24
Thoughts: Good

Therefore be on the alert, for you do not know which day your Lord is coming." Matthew 24:42

There are many different views on eschatology, some so mind-bogglingly complicated that I get a headache just thinking about them. But I think many people miss the big picture when it comes to understanding the return of Christ. No matter what view one takes on eschatology there ought to be common ground among Bible-believing Christians on the subject and that common ground is this; Christ IS coming back and we better be ready.

In verses 42-51 of chapter 24 Jesus expounds on the subject of his return and he teaches his disciples that they are to "be on the alert" and "be ready. The question then is, what does it mean to "be on the alert" and "be ready?" Well the context seems to make that a bit clearer. Jesus gives an illustration in verses 45 & 46 when he says, "Who then is the faithful and sensible slave whom his master put in charge of his household to give them food at the proper time? Blessed is the slave whom his master finds so doing when he comes." "Be[ing] ready" and "be[ing] on the alert" is understood in this sense and doing the work of the kingdom.

Now, I'm not against talking about the return of Christ. Eschatology is in the Bible and therefore it is to be taught and understood. But at the same time discussions about the return of our Master are not to be done "sitting down." The knowledge that our Lord is going to come again should motivate us to do the works of the kingdom, not sit on the front porch and argue over when he might come or in what manner.

So whether we call ourselves premil, amil or postmil, mid-trib, post-trib, pre-trib, a-trib, or whatever the question is, are we ready? Are we on the alert? Are we doing the works of the kingdom?