EXHORTATION TO WATCHFULNESS.
Matthew 24:36-44.
The world goes on in wilful ignorance of the doom which awaits those who are unprepared for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. It shall be just like “in the days of Noah” (Matthew 24:37-39). Eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage may well be legitimate pursuits, but the reference to Noah should alert us to the nature of what is going on. There may be all kinds of excesses in eating and drinking, and the marrying and giving in marriage in the days of Noah was just the kind of mismatching which brought the wrath of God upon the earth at the time of the Flood.
When Jesus comes, suddenly and unexpectedly but amidst all the noise of the angel's shout and the trumpet blast, people will be going about their business as usual. For some it will be daytime, and of two just one will be taken. For others it will be night-time, and of two just one will be taken. This is the gathering together of God's elect from the four corners of the world. It is an awful, and final, separation.
"Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come" (Matthew 24:42). He comes like a thief in the night - not secretly like a thief, but "in such an hour as ye think not" (Matthew 24:44).
So be watchful, dear Christian. Expect His coming, and be faithful in all that you do.
