I am so thankful for the many things God is doing right now in my life. It has been so incredible to see Him grow the following to the blog. I am looking forward to seeing the miracle of my son being born soon! We have finally taken the first steps towards career missions. We have found a church that is faithful to teach the Bible, who love on us like family, and in whom we find so much joy to attend and be a part of. God's blessings are so immeasurable!
As I think about all God has been doing in the life of my family, I have realized that God moves so much more when we move also. In Matthew chapter 24-25, Jesus talks about the end times and then continues to talk about how we are to act till those times come. The main themes Jesus brings out in these chapters are: being prepared, being steadfast even when it feels like you can't go on, and to beware of false prophets and teachers who come in His name. We are to live this life dependent on Jesus. We cannot forget who we are living for and that this life is only a vapor. We must live for the eternal. We must seek the truth of the eternal in the Bible. We must walk towards the day we are face to face with our Savior and Lord.
I know I have said this many times but we cannot get wrapped up in the things, ideas, and pleasures of this world. We must walk everyday like it is our last. We must live our lives like Jesus could come in the next moment. We can't keep wasting our lives on silly things. We can't keep wasting our lives living for ourselves not when there are so many people who have never even heard about Jesus Christ.
Now I know how completely counter culture these words are but I hope anyone who has read the gospels would understand that following Jesus isn't exactly swimming in the mainstream. You are following a Savior who was crucified for His words and actions. The people of His time couldn't even wrap their heads around what He was saying. Jesus was completely counter cultural. If you find yourself like everyone else around you, it is time to take a serious look at who you are in Christ!
I grew up during the time of DC Talk and the song Jesus Freak. I have to say that I love there song especially the part talking about John the baptist. Jesus, the disciples, John the Baptist, and Paul, were all counter cultural for their time and almost every single one of them died for their passionate faith. They LIVED for Christ. They BOLDLY shared Him with others. They WILLINGLY died for Him. When you examine those last three sentences, can you see yourself in any of them?
Many have said, "It has been 2000 years. Jesus must have been lying because He isn't back yet." The thing that is most interesting about that statement in that in the chapters Jesus speaks directly to it being a long time before He returns (24:13, 36-44, 48; 25:5, 19). He spoke specifically to enduring till the end. 2 Peter 3:8 says, "But do not overlook this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day." Just because Jesus has not come yet does not mean we can be lax about following Him. Jesus said that not even He knows the day or time when He will come back. How can we live our lives so selfishly when He could literally descend upon this earth before you even finishing reading this blog.
I do not write these words to shame anyone or make an argument for works reliant salvation. You are saved by the grace of Jesus alone. Beloved, I must tell you this though. If you can read both Matthew 24 and 25 and not be moved, then you need to check your heart. If you read these chapters and cannot see yourself in any part of them, you need to check your heart. Jesus made it clear in both these chapters and other parts of the Gospel that He will turn away the "Christians" He does not know.
Here are a few questions you might think about in qualifying where your heart is in relation to your love of Jesus. When I speak about Jesus coming in soon, does your heart leap for joy at the prospect or instantly rebel against the idea and hope I am wrong? Are you more worried about being prepared for your Saviors arrival or fulfilling your bucket list? Does your heart break for the non-Christians around you or are you satisfied with ministers, missionaries, and the extra talented laity to reach them? Do you help your brother or sister in Christ when they are struggling or are you to worried about your own woes? Jesus speaks to each one of these questions in these chapters and the rest of the Gospels.
I hope you will take the time to check your heart and your relationship with Jesus. Do you know truly Him? More importantly, does He know you? I hope you will take these next few weeks to freshen up your reading on Jesus by looking through the Gospels. I pray you will not look for the easy verses and words of Christ but will also take the time to work out his difficult words, like the ones in Matthew chapter 24 and 25.
Blessings,
Greg
