Month: January 2022

Reading: Luke 12:35-56

Therefore, you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.” (v.40)

In Philippine history, when General Douglas MacArthur* told the people of the Philippines, “I shall return,” in 1944, after almost 3 years, he fulfilled his promise. He came and liberated the people of the Philippines from Japanese tyranny.

In the Bible, one time Jesus was talking to His followers, He said;

“Let your waist be girded and your lamps burning… (v.35)

He also told them earlier, not to worry about life’s concerns such as food, clothing, etc. He encouraged them instead, “But seek the kingdom of God, and all these things shall be added to you.” (v.31) Jesus was saying to His followers, if they pursue the will of God and His kingdom, then God will take care of their needs. And while serving Him and doing His will, be aware also that Jesus could come back anytime. Jesus told His followers, to be aware, watch, and wait for His return. “And if he should come in the second watch, or come in the third watch, and find them so, blessed are those servants. “(v38)

“Therefore, you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.” (v.40) What Jesus is talking about here is in the context of Jewish wedding customs. He said, “Let your waist be girded and your lamps burning; and you yourselves be like men who wait for their master, when he will return from the wedding, that when he comes and knocks, they may open to him immediately. “(v.35-36)

In Jewish custom and tradition, when a man and a woman are engaged to be married, the man prepares a house for the future bride. After he has done this preparation, which takes about a year, the groom gets his wedding party, friends, and family, and walks together in a procession to get the bride from her house. The bride’s family knows this will happen, but they do not know the day or hour. During those days, they did not have a telephone or social media to send messages. The groom gets ready and goes to the bride’s house. So, the bride had better be ready when he comes!

In Matthew 25, Jesus talked about the parable of the foolish and wise brides or virgins. “And at midnight a cry was heard: ‘Behold, the bridegroom is coming; go out to meet him!’ ⁷ Then all those virgins arose and trimmed their lamps “(Matthew 25: 1-13).

In Matthew 24:27-28, Jesus spoke to His disciples about His return and the ingathering of His followers: “For as the lightning comes from the east and flashes to the west, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be. For wherever the carcass is, there the eagles will be gathered together.”

Paul also says, “For the Lord, Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus, we shall always be with the Lord.” (I Thessalonians 4:16-17)

For the past 2000 years, followers of Jesus have been eagerly waiting for His return. Paul also said, “…in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.” (I Corinthians 15:52)

This is our blessed hope, the return of our kings, the king of Kings, and Lord of Lords.

“Now, I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse. And He who sat on him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and makes war…And He has on His robe and on His thigh a name written:

KING OF KINGS AND
LORD OF LORDS.

(Revelation 19:11, 16)

Peter also said, “The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.”  (2 Peter 3:9-10)

Conclusion/Reflection:

The Lord Jesus promised His followers 2000 years ago that He would return. If General MacArthur fulfilled his words, “I shall return!”, how much more reliable are the words of Jesus! The words of Jesus are trustworthy, reliable, and sure. What He says, He will do. Jesus will come back again. Moreover, being ready to meet the Lord is also personal. Anytime, anywhere, death can happen to anyone. The question is, “Am I ready to meet the Lord Jesus anytime?” “Therefore, you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.” (Luke 12:40)

Prayer: Dear Lord Jesus, thank you for your promises. I believe You. I believe Your words, and I look forward to Your return. Holy Spirit help us, Your Church (Your followers), know how to get ready. Help me, Holy Spirit, to get my oil lamp trimmed and ready. Lord, how do I get ready? How do we get ready for Your return?

*https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/macarthur-returns

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Reading: Luke 12:4-12

Title: Fear God, Fear Nothing and No one!

Key verse: “But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear; therefore, you are of more value than many sparrows.” (v.7)

Jesus continues to teach and exhort His disciples: “And I say to you, My friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do. But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear Him who, after He has killed, has the power to cast into hell; yes, I say to you, fear Him!” (v.4-5)

God loves and takes care of His creation – animals, flowers, especially people. Jesus said to His followers, “Are not five sparrows sold for two copper coins? And not one of them is forgotten before God. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear; therefore, you are of more value than many sparrows.” (v.6-7)

Therefore, do not worry and fear to confess Jesus before people. Do not fear false accusations on account of Jesus’ name because the Holy Spirit will give power and strength in times of persecution. Jesus said, “Now when they bring you to the synagogues and magistrates and authorities, do not worry about how or what you should answer, or what you should say. For the Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what you ought to say.” (v.11-12) The Holy Spirit gives wisdom about what to say. And the Holy Spirit gives power, strength, and courage to withstand against all kinds of threats and intimidation.

Reflection:

Therefore, Jesus is saying, do not fear people but fear God only. Do not worry about life because God sees everything, and God cares for those who choose to follow His Son, Jesus. God loves Jesus, and God loves those whom Jesus loves. So, we are secure in the arms of God as we follow Jesus, and we have the power of the Holy Spirit. There is no need to worry, no one to fear – fear God alone!

Prayer:

Dear Lord God, thank You for that because of Jesus, I am secure in your arms. Thank You, Holy Spirit, for your power, wisdom, and strength to follow Jesus – to fear nothing and no one, but God. In your powerful name, Jesus, I pray, amen!

Your Thoughts:

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