Genesis 32–33;
Matthew 24:29–25:13; Ecclesiastes 7:22–29
Jesus’ instructions to His disciples about
His return have inspired many to incorrectly predict His second coming.
But if we read His parables, we find that they’re not so focused on the
future. Jesus prepares His disciples for His absence, and for the end
times, because He wants them to be hopeful, expecting His return. He
wants them to be ready and watchful. But He wants them to do all of
these things by being fully engaged in the present, readying His
kingdom.
Jesus’ parable of the Wise and Wicked
Servants demonstrates this attitude. While the faithful and wise servant
provides for the master’s household during his absence, the wicked
servant uses the time flippantly: carousing and beating his fellow
servants. When the master returns, the faithful servant is promoted for
his service, and the wicked servant is punished. The parable presses the
disciples to use their time wisely during Jesus’ absence by doing the
work they were called to do.
The same exhortation goes out to us. Will
we act like lone Christians—content to live life disconnected from God’s
kingdom? Instead, we should be filled with hope, expectation, and
overflowing with the good news. We should be willing to build up those
around us, and attract those who have no hope.
As easy as it is to forget the eternal in
our everyday lives, we can just as easily forget what God’s work right
now means for eternity. Being actively engaged in the present means
spreading the good news, and being involved in His work—using our gifts
to nurture His coming kingdom.
Are you busy and active in God’s kingdom now? If not, what is keeping you from becoming so?
Rebecca Van Noord
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