Sermon Notes::Look Out

Matthew 24:36-44

Perspective. What would you do today, if you knew you would be dead tomorrow? Would you flood yourself with pleasure? Throw over all restraint? Would you call up old friends and catch up? Would you give away all your money and spend the night with your loved ones?
What is certain is that our perspective would change. We would make room for the things that are most important to us. It’s funny how the little things in life crowd out the big things.

In our scripture this week, Jesus talked about his return to earth. This will be the “day of the Lord” prophesied in the Hebrew Scriptures. It will mean the end of this age, the end of our lives as we know them, judgment of the wicked, rewards for the good. Jesus stressed that while his return is certain, no one will know the day or the hour; that no one will be expecting him. “The day of the Lord will come like a thief” (2Peter 3:10). The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything done in it will be laid bare. We will be going about our daily routines, work, chores, relationships and then, Boom! A trumpet blast. The skies will roll back, Jesus will enter with the armies of heaven. Whatever we are doing will be done. So the message is Prepare yourself—make yourself ready.

“Since everything will be destroyed in this way what sort of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming” (2Peter 3:11-12).

A Confession. To be honest, all of this talk of judgment and Jesus coming back should lead us to follow Christ more fervently, more closely. But often it wears us out. We greet this good news like we would greet another chore, another thing to do. We are weak. That is why Jesus taught us to pray. That is why Jesus sent the Holy Spirit to strengthen our hearts. That is why Jesus left us a sacrament, a sacred meal to strengthen us, so that we might have a foretaste of his presence and anticipate his coming again with joy and constancy. This Advent then, keep it simple: remember to say your prayers; read your bible daily; and come to church. After all, Jesus could come today. \

James