In October 2003, a string of Southern California wildfires eventually claimed two-dozen lives. The flames moved at a speed faster than people could flee.
Responding to complaints that some residents did not receive enough warning, Sgt. Conrad Grayson said, "We are begging people to leave, and they don't take us seriously. They want to pack some clothes, or fight it in the backyard with a garden hose. They don't seem to understand that this is unlike any fire we've seen. If people don't move fast, they're going to become charcoal briquettes."
In rural East San Diego County, the fast-moving Cedar fire, sparked by a lost hunter, surprised fire officials by how fast it spread. Jon Smalldridge was in East San Diego County, and was warned by his dog. He frantically warned his neighbors, only to have some disregard him or respond too casually.
He told of those who tried to save their televisions and computers before escaping. "They looked like they were packing for a trip. The ones who listened to me and left the area, lived. The ones who didn’t, died."
I. INTRODUCTION
1. Advent marks the beginning of the Christian liturgical year. Worship themes focus us on preparing for the advent (Latin: “coming”) of Christ. During this season (begins today and concludes midnight Christmas Eve) we prepare our hearts and homes for his arrival.
2. Advent is to Christmas what Lent is to Easter; it is a time of preparation, sacrifice, confession and repentance. We prepare our hearts as we celebrate the birth of Jesus on Christmas Day.
A. Meanwhile, folks crowd the malls (since 12AM Friday I am told). The Christmas shopping season is at hand. Everyone is getting ready for Christmas. Makes me wonder; is everyone ready for Christ?
3. I want to change the way you think about Advent. Some of you never thought about it at all; it’s a brand new concept. That’s OK; it was for me, too, not so long ago. For others, it’s something only mainline churches celebrate—you know, the ones with stained glass windows, and pastors in clerical collars and robes (i.e. vestments).
A. Guess what; it’s for us too! In fact, as evangelical Christians (those who accept our biblical mandate to evangelize the world) who believe in Christ’s return and rapture of the church, advent should be a time of great anticipation!
4. One could make the argument that with the first advent (birth) past, our preparation and celebration should focus on this Second Advent (return/rapture). Doesn’t that put an interesting twist on this season?
5. That is exactly where Matthew takes us this evening. We consider our readiness to receive Christ, and our watchfulness in light of his coming. TWM to Matthew 24.
Advent is a season of preparation. Be ready and watching for Christ’s coming.
II. BACKGROUND: The Olivet Discourse
1. Chapters 24 and 25 make up the Olivet Discourse, named for the Mount of Olives, where Jesus taught his disciples about the end of the age. They meet privately, avoiding the crowds, where teaching comes by way of intimate conversation.
2. Jesus opens this discourse (1-2) with a prophecy of the fall of Jerusalem (AD 70), and then moves on to answer the questions the disciples ask about end of the age. He addresses two primary themes in the text of the morning: [1] readiness and [2] watchfulness, as believers anticipate the second advent.
III. READY FOR THE SECOND ADVENT (36-41)
1. Of primary importance in Jesus’ teaching is the fact that no one knows the day or the hour that he will return. Not the angels or even the Son!
2. Jesus uses the account of Noah to explain the circumstances of his coming. We don’t know exactly how long it took Noah to build, equip and fill the ark; what we do know is that it likely took some time to complete.
A. As Noah prepared, those around him went about their lives normally. We should note that what they were doing was not sinful, simply what people do!
B. The point is, they knew nothing of the danger that lay ahead. When the ark was loaded, Noah entered and shut the door, and the flood came and took them all away. The others of Noah’s generation were left behind.
3. So too, it will be in the end. People will be about their work, eating, drinking, shopping, at the movies, etc. when suddenly Christ will return…no notice, no warning.
A. He will take some, and leave others behind. There may be no apparent difference between them as with the two men in the field, and the two women at the mill. Yet one will go, another stay.
4. Jesus’ message is obvious. Be prepared to go when the Son of God returns. On that day, some will rejoice, while others mourn. The text clearly suggests there is no time to regroup; to change one’s ways; or to repent when he comes. On that day, it is too late. You and I must be ready to meet Christ when he returns.
IV. WATCHING FOR THE SECOND ADVENT (42-44)
1. In light of this readiness teaching, Jesus reminds the disciples to “watch therefore”. If people knew the day and hour of Christ’s return, they would wait until the last minute to change their behavior. This is neither a drill nor a contest. It’s not a matter of who can “get in under the wire”.
2. This “watch” does not mean, “look for” or “anticipate immediately”, but borrows the image of a watchman at his post through the night. The disciple must not only be ready, but also be alert and awake at his post.
A. Consider the soldier. Highly trained in warfare, but asleep at his post. Does he die in a surprise attack? You bet he does, if he is asleep when the action begins.
B. Likewise, one who knows the scriptures well may suffer the same fate if he or she is asleep when the Lord returns (that is, knowing the truth but not acting on it).
3. If the homeowner knew when the thief would arrive, his watch would be lax until that general time (43). Perhaps his watch would be stronger if he knew a thief was coming, even without knowing a time.
A. Jesus makes it clear that the Son of Man is coming (44). Of his coming there is no doubt; the question is, when will he come? Since the disciples do not know, they must be ready and watching for Jesus. That is the meaning of Advent.
Advent is a season of preparation. Be ready and watching for Christ’s coming.
V. CONCLUSION/CHALLENGE
1. Knowing this, how does one respond? How can we be ready and watching?
A. Consider the second advent, rather than the first, this Christmas. Enjoy the holiday (I will, I can assure you), but view it in light of Christ’s promised return. At any point in the days ahead, ask yourself, “If he came at this instant, would I be ready?”
B. Change the way you interact with others; particularly those you struggle with. Every one of us struggles with someone who regularly crosses our path. Vow to change your actions and attitude throughout this week and this season.
C. Balance Christmas activities with kingdom activities. For every hour of Christmas entertainment this season, devote an hour to God, in study and prayer.
D. Be ready; be watching.
Gracious God, let your kingdom come. We know we war against your kingdom —
In gatherings, we show hatred to the one who is different.
At home, we slice family members with our tongues.
At work, we stab friends with the rumors we spread.
Even in the church, we find enemies and attack.
But your kingdom can be on earth; we experience the fullness of your glory if we lay down our weapons.
Help us Lord, to live as we should; ready and watching, In the name of Jesus, Amen.
