Urgent Attention Required
The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers. - 1 Peter 4:7 ESV
I heard a message this week that made me think of this verse. The speaker asked, “How would your ministry look different if you knew Jesus was coming back ten years from now?” I don’t know about you, but I like deadlines. I like to think I do better work when there is a deadline. Without one, I have a tendency to “kick the can down the road” (some call this procrastinate, I think it is part of my creative process ?).
Don’t you think if we knew Jesus was returning in 2035, our actions would look different? I like to think we’d be so busy sharing the gospel, we may have trouble finding time to do the things we once loved. I like to think we’d have a singular focus as a church.
Truth is we don’t know when Jesus will return. Peter urged those reading to be disciplined and have a clear mind. He encourages his readers to pray! Prayer is a blessing we can place on those who don’t believe. Even in their unbelief, having a community covering them with prayer is powerful.
Jesus may return tonight. He may return in a month or next year. It could be ten years from now or even longer. We just don’t know. Jesus tells us in Matthew 24:35-36 that no one knows when Jesus will return, only the Father in Heaven. It is not of us to know, but it is for us to be prepared for. As we prepare, pray for your friends and family, who don’t know Jesus, to make a new friend in Him. Have a sense of urgency. Take every opportunity to share the good news with them. When Jesus does return, they miss the chance to spend forever with God.
Be blessed and be a blessing,
Matt
I heard a message this week that made me think of this verse. The speaker asked, “How would your ministry look different if you knew Jesus was coming back ten years from now?” I don’t know about you, but I like deadlines. I like to think I do better work when there is a deadline. Without one, I have a tendency to “kick the can down the road” (some call this procrastinate, I think it is part of my creative process ?).
Don’t you think if we knew Jesus was returning in 2035, our actions would look different? I like to think we’d be so busy sharing the gospel, we may have trouble finding time to do the things we once loved. I like to think we’d have a singular focus as a church.
Truth is we don’t know when Jesus will return. Peter urged those reading to be disciplined and have a clear mind. He encourages his readers to pray! Prayer is a blessing we can place on those who don’t believe. Even in their unbelief, having a community covering them with prayer is powerful.
Jesus may return tonight. He may return in a month or next year. It could be ten years from now or even longer. We just don’t know. Jesus tells us in Matthew 24:35-36 that no one knows when Jesus will return, only the Father in Heaven. It is not of us to know, but it is for us to be prepared for. As we prepare, pray for your friends and family, who don’t know Jesus, to make a new friend in Him. Have a sense of urgency. Take every opportunity to share the good news with them. When Jesus does return, they miss the chance to spend forever with God.
Be blessed and be a blessing,
Matt
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