Did Jesus really expect the...
Illustration
Object:
Did Jesus really expect the end of all things to come in his own time? It is possible that he did. But he may also have meant that the signs of the end that he had been discussing would all appear before the present generation had died. The temple was destroyed by the Romans in 70 CE and many people suffered calamities. This means continued watchfulness for us.
True Christian posture is one of expectancy, of standing on tiptoe for the arrival of the great Day of the Lord. This does not mean letting all our duties go, so that the world must take care of itself. On the contrary, it means a heightened attention to all responsibilities.
When the master is away, the servants are to be at work, though one servant is waiting at the door. All are excited about the master's imminent return. We are all to be about our work but with a keen sense of watchfulness.
The signs of the end have been fulfilled many times over. The end itself could be at any time. Faithful servants will always be ready, regardless of how long we have already waited.
This is the eternal hope of every Christian. After the wars and rumors of wars, after the quakes and famines, after all sufferings, the coming of the Son in power and glory. Then justice will reign forever.
True Christian posture is one of expectancy, of standing on tiptoe for the arrival of the great Day of the Lord. This does not mean letting all our duties go, so that the world must take care of itself. On the contrary, it means a heightened attention to all responsibilities.
When the master is away, the servants are to be at work, though one servant is waiting at the door. All are excited about the master's imminent return. We are all to be about our work but with a keen sense of watchfulness.
The signs of the end have been fulfilled many times over. The end itself could be at any time. Faithful servants will always be ready, regardless of how long we have already waited.
This is the eternal hope of every Christian. After the wars and rumors of wars, after the quakes and famines, after all sufferings, the coming of the Son in power and glory. Then justice will reign forever.
