The Son of man cometh

Bible Reading: Matthew 25

Matthew 25:13 Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.

Jesus expects us to be expecting him. He told his followers the parable of the wise and foolish virgins to help us understand that he will come, but it might take a little longer than we think. We are to be watching and prepared when he comes. The wise virgins took oil and were ready with burning lamps. The foolish were not prepared.

What does it mean to watch for the Lord? How do we watch? What are we watching for? Jesus told another parable to help us understand what he means.

Mark 13:28-29 Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When her branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is near: 29 So ye in like manner, when ye shall see these things come to pass, know that it is nigh, even at the doors.

You will not know exactly when, but you can see the changing seasons like the leaves on a fig tree. You know summer is near. Part of watching is looking at the signs of the times all around us. Famines, earthquakes and wars were some of the signs he told us to look for. He also told us to look for an attitude among men about his coming.

2 Peter 3:3-4 Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts, 4 And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation.

Men scoff at the idea of Jesus returning. It has been two thousand years since he made this promise and they have given up watching.

1 Peter 5:8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:

Our watching must also include a vigilance about Satan and his hunt. We must not get caught in his trap. We must not be lulled to sleep by the spirit of the age. We must always be watching for the coming of the Lord because he expects us to expect him!

In Christ,
Rody