"Stay Awake and Be Ready"
Introduction:
Today, our hearts turn to the words of our Lord Jesus in Matthew 24:42-44 from the New Living Translation, where He admonishes us: "So you, too, must keep watch! For you don’t know what day your Lord is coming."
Point 1: The Call to Vigilance
Scripture: Matthew 24:42 (NLT) - "So you, too, must keep watch! For you don’t know what day your Lord is coming."
Illustration:
- Imagine a watchman on a city wall, ever vigilant, guarding against potential threats. In a similar way, Jesus calls us to be spiritually awake and alert, not knowing the hour of His return.
Point 2: The Uncertainty of the Hour
Scripture: Matthew 24:43 (NLT) - "Understand this: If a homeowner knew exactly when a burglar was coming, he would keep watch and not permit his house to be broken into."
Illustration:
- Picture a homeowner who, if he knew the precise moment a thief would arrive, would take every precaution to protect his home. In the same manner, we do not know the hour of Christ's return, so we must always be prepared.
Point 3: Be Ready for the Master's Arrival
Scripture: Matthew 24:44 (NLT) - "You also must be ready all the time, for the Son of Man will come when least expected."
Illustration:
- Think of a bride who, in joyful anticipation, prepares herself for her wedding day. Likewise, we must be ready for the return of our Bridegroom, Jesus Christ, at all times, for His arrival will be when we least expect it.
Point 4: Living with Purposeful Readiness
Scripture: Romans 13:11 (NLT) - "This is all the more urgent, for you know how late it is; time is running out. Wake up, for our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed."
Illustration:
- Consider an athlete preparing tirelessly for a race, knowing that every moment of training counts. As believers, we must live with purposeful readiness, knowing that our salvation is nearer than ever before.
Conclusion:
In Matthew 24, Jesus calls us to vigilance, reminding us that we don't know the day of His return. We must be spiritually awake and prepared at all times. Let us live with a sense of urgency, purpose, and readiness for the Master's arrival.
Closing Prayer:
Heavenly Father, we thank You for the reminder from Your Word to stay awake and be ready for the return of our Lord Jesus Christ. Help us live with purpose and urgency, always prepared for His coming. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
