WEEK 6 - REAWAKENING TO THE RETURN OF CHRIST
We look to the future with the certain hope of Christ’s return. He’s coming again! We will see Him and be with Him to experience His glory in a way we never have before. All of the things that are wrong with this world will be righted and Jesus will reign forever!
DAY THIRTY SIX - CHRIST IS COMING AT AN UNKNOWN DATE AND TIME - MATT KELLY
Matthew 26:36-44
36 Then Jesus went with them to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to his disciples, “Sit here, while I go over there and pray.” 37 And taking with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, he began to be sorrowful and troubled. 38 Then he said to them, “My soul is very sorrowful, even to death; remain here, and watch[a] with me.” 39 And going a little farther he fell on his face and prayed, saying, “My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.” 40 And he came to the disciples and found them sleeping. And he said to Peter, “So, could you not watch with me one hour? 41 Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” 42 Again, for the second time, he went away and prayed, “My Father, if this cannot pass unless I drink it, your will be done.” 43 And again he came and found them sleeping, for their eyes were heavy. 44 So, leaving them again, he went away and prayed for the third time, saying the same words again.
Towards the end of His ministry, Jesus began to teach His disciples about the end of the age and His second coming. At that time, the disciples did not fully understand all that He was sharing with them. In Matthew 24:3, they asked Jesus, “When will these things be, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?” Jesus responded, “Concerning that day and hour, no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father only.” The disciples’ question still resonates today, and Jesus’ response is just as relevant. I see three vital truths for us to consider:
• Stay awake—Jesus calls us to ceaseless vigilance and alertness. Our lives naturally go forward with ordinary pursuits, responsibilities, and activities. While these things are good and necessary, day-to-day life should never overshadow the expectancy of His return. Our hope is in Jesus not in the things of this world.
• Be ready—We must make the necessary preparations for Jesus’ return. As the Alliance family, we are called to take All of Jesus to All the World seriously. Let us be doing His will and building His Kingdom as we ready ourselves for His return.
• Keep trusting—Only the Father knows the time of Jesus’ return. Rest in the goodness of God, trusting Him for what He has chosen to keep hidden. Our Heavenly Father loves us and reveals what we need to know. Trust Him with what is unknown.
Amen. Come, Lord Jesus
PRAYER POINTS:
1. Ask the Father to keep Jesus and the promise of His return preeminent in all your life.
2. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you trust Him more, especially in areas and with things you have no control over.
3. Rejoice in the certain hope that Jesus will return.