In Luke chapter twenty-one, verse twenty-five to thirty-six Jesus makes three points regarding the end of time: we should not be focused on this world, that his return is universal…it includes all people, and that we need to be alert at all times.
First Jesus says,” Do not let your hearts be weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness, and the worries of this world.” In other words keep Jesus as our main focus in life. Do not be distracted by this life.
A young customs official noticed a woman crossing the border every day on a motorcycle with a wooden box strapped on the back of the motorcycle. The guard knew she was trying to smuggle something into the country so he stopped her and searched the box. There was nothing in the box except sand, so he had to let her pass. This happened many times, but each time there was only sand in the box. Finally, one day a more experienced guard searched her and arrested her for smuggling. She was guilty of smuggling motorcycles into the country. Are we just searching in the sand boxes of life and missing the real article…Jesus Christ? Focus on Jesus here and now! Amen? Amen!
Second, Jesus says,”It (His return) will come upon all who live on the face of the whole earth.” We will all experience the return of Jesus Christ into the world. For most of us we will encounter Christ first when we die… but for others it will be when he returns in glory. But we will ALL meet Jesus face to face! Amen? Amen!
A life time atheist was found reading the bible while on his death bed. A friend asked him what he was doing. He answered, “I am looking for loop holes!” By living in a daily relationship with Jesus Christ we won’t have to look for loop holes when Christ returns. We will all see Jesus! Amen? Amen!
Finally, Jesus tells us to “be alert at all times” so that we can stand before Him when He comes.
A security guard worked at Drug Company for fifteen years. At first he was always very alert and watchful for thieves. But as the years passed he became relaxed and lazy. Sure enough one evening the company was robbed of thousands of dollars of drugs while the guard slept. The next day the company fired him immediately for not watching. The same thing will happen to us when Jesus returns unless we stay alert. And this happens in the church also. The most alive Christians are those who are new to the faith. They are always around the churching either praising God or working.
So how do we stay alert for Jesus? We come to Church regularly, we read our bibles, we pray daily, we bring our children to church, and we ask Jesus into our lives and hearts daily. We do this because Jesus loves us… and He is Lord! Amen? Amen!
Let us pray: Lord Jesus… keep us faithful and alive in You until you return…we love You…in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen!
