25 June, 2023

WATCH - THE END IS NEAR

(Christian Living 30)

We need to remind ourselves constantly about the key verse for 2023 for our Church: “The end of all things is at hand: therefore, be sober, and watch unto prayer. And above all things have fervent love among yourselves, for love covers a multitude of sins” (1 Pet.4:7-8). As we look at the world situations today, we know that we are living in the last days. The signs of the times that our Lord Himself gave in Matthew 24 are coming to pass and many have already come to pass. That means the time of His Coming may be drawing near – “even at the doorstep”. Or, as Peter says, “The end of all things is at hand”.

What shall do and how shall we live in the light of this?

1. Be Sober: the exhortation to live wisely.
This word is used in contrast to “being drunk”. Drunkenness implies careless living and losing one’s sense of propriety and direction. To “be sober” is to behave wisely and have a sense of purpose and urgency in life. But it also means to be “serious-minded” in contrast to the “can’t-be-bothered” attitude that some may have adopted. Paul exhorted the believers thus: “Be very careful, then, how you live – not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil” (Eph.5:15-16).

2. Watch unto Prayer: the exhortation to spiritual alertness.
Our Lord gave the same exhortation: “Therefore, keep watch, for you do not know on what day your Lord will come”  (Matt.24:42). Watching is the opposite of sleeping, which may imply laziness or complacency. The loving and faithful disciple will always be spiritually active and alert and serving God and witnessing for Christ. Is that you? The Lord also said, “Be always on the watch, and pray that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen, and that you may be able to stand before the Son of man” (Luke 21:36). The Bible warns us: “Mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days” (2 Tim.3:1). Things will become more difficult for the Church and Christians as the spirit of the world will be turning more and more against God’s people. May we remain faithful to the end so that we may “be able to stand before the Son of Man”. PRAY THAT WE MAY!

3. Have Fervent Love for One Another: the exhortation to care for one another.
The spirit of hatred is increasing in the world, inspired by the devil. That is why there is an increase in ethnic cleansing, in wars and killing. Anti-Semitism is rising and persecution of the Church and Christians is increasing. This is preparing for the rise of the Antichrist. In the light of this, Christians should love God more and love one another more. We need to be more forgiving of each other and care for one another. The Writer to the Hebrews exhorts us to meet more often “to encourage and stimulate one another to love and good works, especially as you see the Day approaching” (10:24-25). That is the Day of the Rapture! 

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