In the dialogue beginning 24362546 Jesus unambiguously speaks of his second coming In vv 3744 he employs three images understating readiness The rest are parables unpacking what readiness for Christs second coming and judgment means ID: 587574
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Slide1
The day of the lord: what kind of people we ought to be (Matt.24:36-44; Rom. 13:12-14)
In the dialogue beginning 24:36-25:46, Jesus unambiguously speaks of his second coming. In vv. 37-44 he employs three images understating readiness. The rest are parables unpacking what readiness for Christ’s second coming and judgment means.
The flow of thought is the hour is unknown (v. 36).
As the days of Noah the
parousia
will catch people unawares (vv. 37-39a).
In the face of normalcy, people will for good be separated (vv. 39b-41).
Disciples are warned to be ready (vv. 42-44). Slide2
The coming of the day will be unpredictable (vv. 36-39a)
That day refers to the
parousia
which was the subject of second half of the disciples’ question in v. 3. Phrase also captures the frequent OT reference to the “day” of Yahweh.
Reader can therefore place judgment and salvation as central in this day. Key about this day is that no one knows its timing. Consequently it will catch people unawares - like an earthquake, or historically like the days of Noah.Slide3
The coming of the day will be unpredictable (vv. 36-39a)
Facts about Noah’s time:
A call was made, and it appeared unreasonable to majority that a flood should sweep everything.
As the scoffers of 2 Pet. 3:3-4 People continued in their usual life in ignorance of Noah’s warning.
The flood came without warning and no effort to evade danger was successful. It is clear only those who made advance preparations were safe. Slide4
Normalcy and sudden separation (vv. 39b-41)
Business will be as usual as was the case in Noah’s time.
In present day, evil and good, fraudster and honest students, injustice and justice live together side by side.
Observe that some cars without starter motors appear to carry the day.Slide5
Normalcy and sudden separation Cont. . .
Currently God has allowed wheat and tares to grow together (Matt. 13:30). That has its own danger though.
In due time, the two will suddenly be separated. Meanwhile let him who does wrong continue to do wrong and so is the righteous (Rev. 22:11).
People however must live in constant awareness that a grand reversal is coming. Once and for all we will be separated. Slide6
Need to be watchful (vv. 42-44)
In light of the grand separation, what kind of people ought we to be?
Watchfulness is mandatory. In Luke 12:35 Jesus gives two images;
That of guarding the loins
That of keeping lights burning
In Palestine burglary was an every day menace. There were no burglar proof doors, walls or alarm systems.
Physical readiness was therefore indispensable. Lack of alertness spelt out doom to property and danger to human life.
Slide7
Need to be watchful (vv. 42-44)
The parables of the faithful servant, the ten virgins and the talents illustrate how to be ready.
Readiness does
not
consist of
sitting by the window in a state of red alert
watching for the master. To the contrary it is carrying on with the master’s business faithfully whether he comes or not. Slide8
Ethical as opposed to reckless living
Being ready must be understood ethically. The final scene in Matt. 25:31-46 will reveal that the criteria of judgment relate not to conscious alertness but to a life well lived. Not ritualistic . . . .
Readiness is therefore a lifestyle that we embrace. Such touches on our dealings with fellow man and personal purity. Slide9
Ethical as opposed to reckless living
In Romans 13:12-14, Paul uses darkness to designate acts of loose living. Flesh designates principle and power of life in this world which tends to pull us away from the spiritual realm.
Drunkenness was closely associated with sexual immorality because drunkards senses are dampened. sexual immorality was rampant among Greeks. Brothels were not rare cites at the time of Paul.
For the Jew it was a sign of lack of control, and a display of ones deficiency of sense/foresight/wisdom/mental power/consideration, determination, loyalty and will (Pr. 6:32). Slide10
Concluding remarks
Delay has effects. In the parable of the ten virgins, delay generated slumber and running out of fuel.
Difficult terrain encourages withdrawal from the race. Financial hard times and the craving for quick gains has and continues to shipwreck the faith of many.
The seeming gains of the wicked pose a potential danger to the righteous (see Ps. 73).
A little folly undermines integrity (
Ecc
. 10:1; Eph. 5:3).