Day 4, Week 5 of Come, Lord Jesus, Come (A Love God Greatly Study) – I Do Not Know You
Scripture Reading: Matthew 25 (SOAP – Matthew 25:12)
But he replied, ‘I tell you the truth, I do not know you!’
Matthew 25:12 NET
Observation of the Foolish and the Wise
A wise person thinks things out and takes the time to be prepared for the day, the hour, an event – or for whatever they know lies ahead of them. A foolish person, however, doesn’t. Even when they know what is coming they seem to have no concern about the matter or they lack the good sense or judgment to make the necessary preparations. So when the time comes, they are caught unprepared and they most likely miss the opportunity. Sometimes, as in the case of the 10 virgins, they miss the opportunity of a ‘life’time, while those who thought it out and got ready – went inside with the bridegroom.
Application: So What Does This Mean For Us?
I believe what this means is we don’t want to be caught unprepared. We need to be wise and not foolish, so that we are ready when Jesus, our bridegroom, arrives. I can’t help but believe it also means we need to share with others before it’s too late for them.
Prayer: Response to God’s Word
Father, thank You for salvation! Thank You for all that Jesus has done to prepare the way for us to enter in for the wedding feast. Thank You that we who are Yours do not have to worry about hearing You say, “I do not know you”. Help the “oil in our lamps” burn until You come, and may we share it with those in the dark while there is still time. – In Jesus’ name – and power, amen!
Reflections: Your Turn
How are some people fooled into thinking they are Christians when they actually are not?
Day 3, Week 5 of Come, Lord Jesus, Come (A Love God Greatly Study) – STAY ALERT
Scripture Reading: Matthew 24 (SOAP – Matthew 24:42-44)
“Therefore stay alert, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come. 43 But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what time of night the thief was coming, he would have been alert and would not have let his house be broken into. 44 Therefore you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.
Matthew 24:42-44
Observation
I realize that our observations are all beginning to sound alike, “Stay alert”, “Be ready”, “He’s coming soon”, “He will come when we least expect it”, … which may make it tempting to skip over the repetitious passages or perhaps even look to see if I accidentally repeated a lesson (trust me, I looked this morning, just to make sure I wasn’t repeating one – lol). The fact of the matter is that Scripture repeats itself, in part because the Gospel writers tended to share similar events but in large part because God is making a point that is vitally important for us to hear and not forget. So as tempting as it is to skip over this long passage from Matthew, I encourage you to read it through from beginning to end. Soak in the details and take note of the warning to be found living in a way that the Master finds pleasing.
Application: So What Does This Mean For Us?
My take away observations from today are also my application or what this passage means for us …
The repeated phrase to – “Stay Alert”
Jesus will come when we DO NOT EXPECT HIM!
So – We must live as though He could return today!
And, just like Jesus and His disciples did, share the message with others so that they will also be prepared.
Prayer: Response to God’s Word
Father, the end times can seem both exciting and daunting. They can leave us wondering and wishing we knew when. Help us simply to keep our eyes on You and to carry out the mission that You gave to all of Your disciples – to take the Gospel, the story about Jesus’ life, death, resurrection, and impending return to all the world. May we be the faithful and wise slave described in the passage today so that we do not have to shrink back in fear – but rejoice in Your good pleasure when You see that the thief did not break in and steal.
Reflection: Your Turn
What are some ways you are currently living on mission for our Lord while you wait for His return?
And now, little children, remain in him, so that when he appears we may have confidence and not shrink away from him in shame when he comes back.
1 John 2:28 NET
Observations
As believers, those who have placed their faith in Jesus Christ, we are to be faithfully living as His followers. For John explains when our faith is proven genuine we will be able to stand before Jesus in confidence and not shame when He returns. For as Paul told the believers in Rome, “there is therefore now no condemnation for those who are ‘in‘ Christ Jesus.” And, as John goes on to say, in today’s passage, we have been clothed in His righteousness and are being purified (sanctified) to be like Him.
There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.
Romans 8:1 NET
Application: So What Does This Mean For Us?
If we have placed our faith in Jesus, we must not treat it as simply a “stay out of hell” card, but we are to “abide in” Him, meaning we are to faithfully follow in or imitate His ways. We are to live and love like Jesus. Jesus set these parameters when He told the believers that they were to love others just has He had loved them, John 13:34. This standard of living is also set by Paul in both deed and word throughout the New Testament – Col 3:1-17; Gal 2:20; Phil 2:1-11; 1 Cor 11:1; 2 Cor 5:17; Eph. 4:22-24 and 5:1-2 to name a few. However, John says it the clearest of all in 1 John 2:6, when he said, “Whoever claims to live in [Jesus] must live as Jesus did.”
If we read through the rest of today’s passage we see this explained a little more when John mentions practicing righteousness (2:29), which is to say – practice the ways of Jesus, for apart from Him no one is righteous – not even one of us.
“There is no one righteous, not even one, 11 there is no one who understands, there is no one who seeks God. 12 All have turned away, together they have become worthless; there is no one who shows kindness, not even one.”
Romans 3:10-12 NET
Prayer: Response To God’s Word
Father, help us to faithfully abide in Christ so that when He returns we will not shrink away in shame but stand in the confidence of His work on the cross for us. For You have promised that there is now no condemnation for those who have placed their faith in Him. Help us to imitate Him more and more so that others will see Him in us and You will be glorified. In His Name I pray – and trust – amen and amen!
vs. 32 [But as for that day]: The time of Jesus’ return is going to come but only the Father knows when.
vs. 33 [Watch out! Stay alert!] Jesus is warning that there is not time for a leisurely faith. Paul says, “Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil” (Ephesians 5:15–16). Like the faithful servants (Mark 13:34–36) or the bridal party waiting for the groom (Matthew 25:1–13), we can’t treat Jesus’ delay as permission to act ungodly (Matthew 24:48–51). (Bibleref.com on Mark 13:33)
vs. 35-36 [Stay alert … or else he might find you asleep when he returns]
“Jesus doesn’t just want His followers in the tribulation to be aware, He wants them to use that awareness to stay alive. During the tribulation, many, many Christ-followers will be hunted and killed by the Antichrist (Revelation 13:7; 17:6). But Jesus explains that they should still try to survive. In fact, they should pray for favorable conditions (Mark 13:18). He tells them to be aware of false teachers (Mark 13:5), run from impending violence (Mark 13:14), and keep a clear head (Mark 13:35). He also promises that the tribulation will not last long. If the tribulation saints can remember Jesus’ words, they will have a better chance of being “awake” when He returns.”
vs. 37 [to everyone] This conversation started with Peter, James, John, and Andrew privately asking Jesus a question on the Mount of Olives opposite the temple. They said, “Tell us, when will these things happen? And what will be the sign that they are all about to be fulfilled?” Jesus said to them: “Watch out that no one deceives you” (Mark 13:3-5). Now, here in verse 37 Jesus is clarifying that His message to the four disciples, particularly about staying alert, was meant for everyone.
Application: So What Does This Mean For Us?
We are to be alert – awake to what is being said and what (prophecy) has been given – so that we don’t fall prey to false prophets of our day. This is not to say that we should be obsessed with the “end times” but simply alert to the messages and the events we here and see. Our efforts must not be in figuring out the day or hour but with sharing the message of the cross and the promise of eternity.
Prayer: Our Response to The Word
Father – the end times are a mystery. Clearly we are not meant to know the day or the hour of “that day” – but, we wait believing that it will come. Help us to be ready and to help others be ready by being alert to those around us who need the hope that is ours in Christ Jesus. I pray all of this in Jesus’ name and power and for Your glory! – Amen!
So be patient, brothers and sisters, until the Lord’s return. Think of how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the ground and is patient for it until it receives the early and late rains. 8 You also be patient and strengthen your hearts, for the Lord’s return is near.
James 5:7-8 NET
Observations – Past and Present
James spent the first six verses of this chapter speaking to unbelievers. He warned them about the judgement that was coming their way because of how they were treating the believers. Now, he speaks to the believers who were being treated harshly; he encourages them to be patient and strengthen their hearts (or to be courageous as translated in the NLT) as they wait on Jesus’ return. James wants them to remember that their reward of eternity with the Lord will be worth the wait.
I love that James doesn’t just say be patient but he guides them in their patience with an analogy of a farmer waiting for the rains to water his crops (7). He knows that their suffering will wear on them and warns of turning on one another (9). He points them to the prophets and to Job, those who had waited and suffered before them, reminding them that they had seen that the Lord is full of compassion and mercy (10-11). Then finally, and somewhat out of context with his other words of encouragement, he instructs them to make sure that they maintain trustworthy reputations so that when they speak their words and promises are trustworthy and require no oath to be sworn (12).
Application – So, What Does This Mean For Us?
As believers, if we truly are living for the Lord, we will suffer not only the normal troubles of this life but at the hands of unbelieving oppressors. Therefore, we must heed James’ warning and –
be patient
be courageous, standing firm despite who or what comes against us
not turn against one another in our anger or frustration
know and remember God’s Word and the examples of those who served and waited patiently and courageously in the midst of their suffering
finally, but above all, live above reproach or question – so that our yes is yes and your no is no1
1We might think of saying to someone, “I swear on a stack of Bibles that I’m not lying,” or “I swear on my mother’s grave that I’ll pay you next Thursday.” Jesus forbid Christians from doing this, and James confirmed that teaching. The issue appears to be about honesty. Truthfulness should be the absolute norm for those who trust in Christ. Our simple yes or no should be completely binding since deception is never an option for us. If an oath is required to convince someone of our honesty or intent to be faithful, it suggests we may not be known for telling the truth in other circumstances.
Father, waiting isn’t easy and waiting on Your return is even more difficult! Strengthen us in our waiting – help us to be patient, as were the prophets and others, like Job, who have gone before us. And in this knowledge, may our hearts be courageous and firm in our faith as we wait on You. Let our minds be on You and the examples from Your Word rather than the chaos, confusion, and troubles that surround us. Finally Father, we live in a world where lying, manipulation, and questionable propaganda are the norm but if we are to be Your representatives we must be trusted. Help us live above reproach or question, so that people do not doubt our words. Let our yes be yes and our no be no – In Jesus’ name – Amen!
But even if you suffer for doing what is right, God will reward you for it. So don’t worry or be afraid of their threats. Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your hope as a believer, always be ready to explain it. But do this in a gentle and respectful way. Keep your conscience clear. Then if people speak against you, they will be ashamed when they see what a good life you live because you belong to Christ. 1 Peter 3:14-16 NLT
Your Turn – Reflections
How can we strengthen our hearts and live courageously while we wait on Jesus’ return? Why is this important?
Taken, One Left Week 4, Day 3 of Come, Lord Jesus, Come (A Love God Greatly Study)
Scripture Reading: Luke 17:22-37 (SOAP: Luke 17:34-35)
I tell you, in that night there will be two people in one bed; one will be taken and the other left.There will be two women grinding grain together; one will be taken and the other left.”
Luke 17:34-35 NET
Observations
The entire passage leads up to Jesus’ conversation with the disciples about the end times. In telling them that they would not know the day the day or hour, He used the comparison of “The days of Noah and the days of Sodom to make the point – “One will be taken and the other left” – which we find in our soap passage.
Application – So, What Does This Mean For Us
In regards to the soap passage, the obvious answer for this question is that we must be ready, so that whether we are in the field working or asleep in bed we will not be left behind. We must be prepared for His return, irregardless of when it occurs. I also think it is important to understand verse 33, where we read: “Whoever tries to keep his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life will preserve it.” in other words, we must let go of the things, places, and people that bind us to this world. Or to put it in the words of Joshua, “choose this day whom you will serve”, Joshua 24:15.
Prayer – Response To God’s Word
Father, I don’t fully understand this passage, except that Jesus’ return is known only by You and that we (I) should not hold tightly to the things (people/places/things) of this world. Please help me to die to self daily, choosing You over the world – in Jesus’ mighty name!
– as we wait for the happy fulfillment of our hope in the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Titus 2:13 NLT
Observations of Grace
Jesus came in the flesh bearing God’s grace to a world in need of salvation. He came not just to the Jews but to all people who, by faith, would believe in the One God had sent. His grace doesn’t just save but it trains and equips us to live in a manner pleasing to God and to wait patiently for His return. I love the vivid illustration in verse 14 that God, by grace (Ephesians 2:8-9), not only gave His Son to save us (John 3:16) but Jesus gave Himself to set us free from the law of sin and death (Galatians 5:1; Romans 6:1-2 and 14-15) and to purify us for Himself. This passage makes it clear that He did it to specifically have a people who are surrendered to Him through faith and eager to do good because of the grace (unmerited favor of God) that was lavished on us through His life, death, and resurrection.
Application – So, What Does This Mean For Us
As we wait for Jesus to appear 1we are to reject godless ways and worldly desires. 2We are to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives 3keeping in mind that He gave Himself for our freedom and to purify us for Himself – so that we can 4live fully surrendered to Him and 5eagerly seek to do good. Like Titus, we are God’s chosen representatives of the Lord Jesus Christ, so, 6we are to teach or urge others concerning these things being careful to not let others disregard, the message of Hope.
Prayer – Response To God’s Word
Father, thank You for the GRACE that is ours in Christ Jesus – for it is Your power to save us from our sin, to set us free and cleanse us, and to transform us – from slaves to sin to righteously clothed representatives of our Lord Jesus Christ, (Colossians 3:17); and it is Your grace that sustains us while we wait. May we be faithful to share these truths with others – our lives a stirring testament to Your sustaining grace. May our devotion to Jesus and our eagerness to do goodlight the way for others and may the footprints that we leave, lead them to believe, and the lives we live inspire them to obey – rather than to disregard Your Truth. In the name and power of Jesus I pray and wait – AMEN!! (words in italics are from a song that came to mind as I prayed … Find Us Faithful, by Steve Green)
For the Lord himself will come down from heaven with a commanding shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet call of God. First, the believers who have died will rise from their graves. 17 Then, together with them, we who are still alive and remain on the earth will be caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. Then we will be with the Lord forever. 18 So encourage each other with these words. 1Thessalonians 4:16-18 NET
Observations
the Lord will come down
there will be a shout of command
the trumpet of God will sound
the dead in Christ will rise first
those who are alive will be taken up with them
we will always be with the Lord
we are to encourage one another with these truths
Application – So, What Does This Mean For Us
The HOPE we cling to and the encouragement of our FAITH is that we will always be with the Lord! – Me, from the InsideOut
We are to encourage “one another” with the truth and the HOPE that whether we are dead or alive – Jesus is coming back for us and we will live with Him forever!
Prayer – Response To God’s Word
Father – thank You again and again for the HOPE of eternity with our Lord, forever in Your Presence! Yes Lord come for this is where I want to be – forever in Your Presence – Amen!
When I got in the car after leaving mom in her room at the rehab center where she is recovering from her broken femur and spinal injury, I sat for a moment in the silence of the dark night sky. Tears beckoned to fall again, prayers of praise were whispered for how well the conversation went – considering I had just told my mother that she isn’t going to be able to come home yet. I sat staring, hurting for my mother and missing my father and brothers, trying to pray – yet no words came – so I started the car and began the drive home in silence. After a difficult day of information and emotions – I chose to turn music on to drown out the fiery darts that were beginning to assault my mind with fears and worry and sorrow. Typically, when I press play my Spotify opens and begins playing the mix where I left off, but this time another app, one that I never use any more, actually one I’m not sure I’ve even seen before, opened and started in the middle of Lauren Daigle’s, “Trust In You”. I started to change it but realized the song was exactly what I needed to hear, as were all that followed it and serenaded me for the 25-minute car ride home, a complete playlist centered on trusting God, clearly this was His doing, It was what He knew I needed to hear, just as the quiet office day, and Angela’s words of encouragement, and Barbara’s aptly timed phone call, and all of the other text or messages throughout the day were what He knew I needed. I drove in tears and surrender as Heaven came down and His presence and peace not only filled my car but every essence of my being. Check it out and tell me if you don’t think this was a music interlude from heaven – I know it was the sweetest I’ve ever heard.
The first song picked up in the middle of “Trust in you”, by Lauren Daigle, I confess I hit replay on this one at least twice and sang and cried along with it, surrendering all of my apprehensions to what I know to be His perfect and loving control.
Truth is, You know what tomorrow brings There’s not a day ahead You have not seen So in all things be my life and breath I want what You want, Lord, and nothing less
When You don’t move the mountains I’m needing You to move When You don’t part the waters I wish I could walk through When You don’t give the answers As I cry out to You I will trust, I will trust I will trust in You I will trust in You
This was followed by “Amen”, by I Am They – The exact expression of my thoughts just moments before and so often over the past two weeks …
I have no words to say Don’t know what I should pray God, I need You God, I need You O Lord, my faith is tired And tears fill up my eyes But I will trust You, I will trust You
I know You go before me and I am not alone This mountain rises higher The way seems so unclear But I know that You go with me So I will never fear I will trust in You
I try to catch my breath It hasn’t happened yet I’m wide awake in the middle of the night scared to death So I prayed God, would You make this stop Father please hold on to me, You’re all I’ve got
Carry me, carry me, carry me now From my sinking sand to Your solid ground The only way I’m ever gonna make it out Is if You carry me, carry me, carry me now God carry me, carry me, carry me now
Jesus calm my heart Come near me please Lord don’t let these worries get the best of me Oh I believe, that You’re still here with me Cause You meant what You said when You said You’d never leave
So carry me, carry me, carry me now From my sinking sand to Your solid ground The only way I’m ever gonna make it out Is if You carry me, carry me, carry me now God carry me, carry me, carry me now
Beautiful, right? They may not have been on my Spotify playlist before but, I can promise you, they are at the top of it now. Whatever caused that app to open, whatever caused those particular songs to play in that order – they were without question a blessing from God to me. I pray they will be a blessing to you as well, for regardless of what fills your life right now – mountain top experiences or valley deep trenches – trusting God is the key to walking by faith and not by sight and trusting God is the key to being light in the darkness around us.
“I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid. 28 Remember what I told you: I am going away, but I will come back to you again. If you really loved me, you would be happy that I am going to the Father, who is greater than I am.”
John 14:27-28 NLT
Real and Lasting Hope Brings Peace
I love that Jesus, who is getting ready not just to die but hang on a cross for sins He did not commit, is so compassionately concerned about the effect of His leaving that He promises the disciples a gift. The gift is peace of mind and heart, so they will not need to be troubled or afraid. His is a peace that comes from more than just words, it is a peace that is distinctly different than the world offers because it comes with real and lasting hope in the promise that He is coming back!
A Repetitious Warning and A Personal Connection
Again, in conjunction with Jesus’ impending departure, He encourages the disciples not to be troubled [distressed] or afraid. The encouragement is always the same and meant to carry a lot of weight – “I am coming back.” I love reading this particular conversation in the NET which translates it with a much more personal tone, using the pronoun ‘you’ nine times in the two short verses. To me, this emphasizes that this was not an open message to just anyone but rather specifically for His disciples, which we are.
““Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you; I do not give it to you as the world does. Do not let your hearts be distressed or lacking in courage. You heard me say to you, ‘I am going away and I am coming back to you.’ If you loved me, you would be glad that I am going to the Father, because the Father is greater than I am.”
John 14:27-28 NET
What Does This Mean For Us?
The promise of His return and the promise of His peace being different than what we can find in the world means that…
I don’t have to be troubled or afraid.
I can choose peace over fear and distress.
I need to choose God/Christ over the world.
I can/will be glad that He is with the Father.
Because He is with the Father, I have the Spirit 24/7, 365 days of the year.
Because He gave His life for me, I can count on His promise to come back for me.
Response to the Word:
Father, How great You are! Even greater than we truly understand, for even Jesus says You are greater than Him. Not only have You given us the Spirit in Jesus’ absence, but Jesus offers us peace – indescribable and everlasting – so that as we wait for His return, we are not alone and have no need to fear or be distressed – but rather we can stand firm in the courage that comes from knowing He will return!
Me From the Inside Out 