Tag Archives: Jesus’ 2nd coming

MOTEBECANE MOPED 1 Thessalonians 5

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I moped around for months after unsavory thieves did their dirty work on my French Motebecane Moped.  I loved that 2-wheeled wonder.  You could pedal it or move the tiny gasoline motor over the front tire and off you’d go!  I even traversed the George Washington Bridge, chugging through Manhattan, visiting church members in hospital.

This was during the gasoline crisis, when scarce petrol could be pumped only on certain days for so many gallons.  My moped got over 75 miles on a third of a gallon.  Can you imagine?  The gas tank held that tiny amount, meaning I could travel most everywhere, not worrying about running out or declaring bankruptcy !

Until I go downtown to buy a newspaper, carefully watching my moped parked outside the newsstand, but having my vision blocked by what turned out to be some rather shady characters.  Coming out of the store, anxious to get home to read that rag sheet, it hits me.  No moped!   I’ve been robbed!!

The Bible talks about being prepared for Jesus’ soon return.  Soon being a relative term.  Relative to His timeframe and not yours, mine or some know-it-all prophecy, chart-thumping prognosticator.  Whenever it is, it will come just as the Bible says–‘For you yourselves are fully aware that the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night’ (1Thess. 5:2).

Thieves don’t usually send an announcement including their nefarious details.  They didn’t phone me in advance–‘You’ll be robbed Tuesday morning at 9 am at the corner newsstand.  Be there.  Don’t be late.  We’ll be waiting and you’ll be walking home!’

So, get your spiritual house in order.  On highest alert.  Lock up your moped as I didn’t!  Guard your mind and heart by spending time in your Bible.  No speed-reading.  Find out more about Jesus and His ways.  Less about politics (!), money, and time-wasting diversions.  Much less.  Install a security system with spiritual preparedness.

Jesus is coming again.  When?  Whenever.  Don’t be caught off guard.  That’s too easy.  I can tell you.  I just did!

 

Lord Jesus, help us to prepare for your return.  Amen.

 

WHAT SHOULD WE DO? Mark 13

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Jesus paints a scary end times portrait.  Not a pretty picture.  I’ve heard many so-called Bible scholars spew forth their pet theories on the timing and every-last-detail event of Jesus’ second coming, all of which I dismiss without even a glance or a nod.  Rather heed what comes from the lips of the One who knows.  Even Jesus defers to the Father as to ‘when’ (Mark 13:32, Acts 1:7).  Let’s give Him the final word!

‘All men will hate you because of me…’ (Mark 13:13).  ‘When you see the abomination that causes desolation…’ (v.14).  ‘How dreadful it will be in those days…’ (v.17).  ‘…those will be days of distress unequaled from the beginning…’ (v.19).  ‘…false Christs and false prophets will appear…to deceive the elect…’ (v.22).  See what I mean?  Hard times ahead.  Even for believers, Jesus says.

So, what should we do?  It’s really quite simple–‘Be on guard!  Be alert!’  ‘Keep watch’.  ‘What I say to you, I say to everyone:  Watch!’ (Mark 13: 33,35,36).

Do what?  Watch!  Trust that what He says will always be true.  Don’t waver or falter.  The world, our culture, some family and friends may no longer believe the Bible as God’s totally trustworthy Word.  That’s exactly why He’s warned us to be on guard.  Nothing should surprise us.  We’ve been put on notice.  So stand up and hold your ground.  His turf, really.

Don’t budge.  Lovingly stand up for Jesus.  Sounds a bit old-fashioned.  So is loyalty and honor, honesty and kindness in this crude and lewd world we inhabit.  Count us old-fashioned rather than new-fangled filthy and depraved.

Be firm.  Watch.  Be on alert.  On the qui vive.  Keep both eyes open with ears attentive.  Troubles come.  Don’t be caught off-guard and unawares.  Always… watch.

That’s how to make it through any of life’s difficulties.  If you’re in something burdensome and fatiguing right now–Watch!  Hang tough!  Immovable, leaning hard-and-long on Jesus.  After all, He’s our Rock no matter what, where or when.  No matter.  Watch.

Thank you, Jesus, for standing strong with us.  Amen.