Keep Watch

I was just reading a brief commentary on Matthew 24 in which the author said, "If there ever was a time when the Christian should be keeping watch for the Lord's return, it is now."  He, of course, was reflecting on Jesus statementt about the end coming being  like childbirth in verse 8, suggesting that it meant the pains and tribulations of "wars and rumors of wars...earthquakes and famines" (vv. 6-7) would increase in frequency and intensity.  Looking around, one has to agree that there has been a market increase of such things.

I have to disagree with his assessment - not the assessment that these things are on the rise nor that Christ might be coming soon.  I have to disagree with the notion that we can know that to be so, that what we are seeing is the sign of imminent return.  I think he was off base because he focused on whatt Christ did not say about birthpains instead of whatt he did say.  The Lord said nothing about the increase of frequency or intensitty, but he did say that "all these things are but the beginnings of birth pains" (v. 8).  In other words, like the Braxton-Hicks contractions, which rush pregnant women into the hospital only to be told they have a long way to go, so it is with these signs.

Jesus, in fact said, "You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see tto it that you are not alarmed" (v. 6).  Later in this chapter, he said that "two men will be working in a field; one will be taken and the other left" (v. 40).  "Therefore keep watch, becuase you do not know on what day your Lord will come" (v. 42).  Jesus didn't tell us to watch the stars or wars or weather to know when to start getting ready, he said that we should simply be ready all  the time, keeping watch for his return.

If you are ready, it does not matter when Christ will come again.  And, if you are not ready, it will not matter either.  It is not important when he will return but that he is returning.  He may come soon or it may be quite some time.  If you did know when he would returrn, whatt makes you think you will be alive to see it?  His coming for you might be today or tomorrow.  You need to be ready and keep watch daily, and then you will be able to rejoice whether you see Him coming again or you are taken to glory before then.  Jus' Sayn.