Wednesday Night Week 3

I want to welcome you again to the last night of our Wednesday Night prayer focus. I hope you’ve enjoyed the last couple of weeks, and I hope you will continue to join us next week as we begin our Wednesday night discipleship focus.

As we mentioned on Sunday, we will be offering two different options:

In Classrooms 1 & 2 Pastor Jacob and Joy will be teaching a parenting curriculum called “Love & Logic”. A curriculum that is designed to make parenting and teaching fun and rewarding, instead of stressful and chaotic.

The class will provide practical tools and techniques that help adults achieve respectful and healthy relationships with their children.

So, if you are wanting to hone your parenting skills, this would be a great class for you to sign up for.

Here in the sanctuary I will be teaching a class on “How to study your Bible”. The class will go for 8 weeks and is designed to give you a deeper understanding the Bible and the skills necessary to not just read it, but Study your Bible as well. So, if you’re wanting to grow in your ability to rightly divide the Word of truth, I would encourage you to sign up for that class.

If you’re torn between the two classes, it would be good for you to know that we are recording the “How to Study your Bible” class, so you could take the parenting class and watch the How to study your Bible class later.

All that to say, make sure you join us next at week at 6:30 as we kick off each class.

Tonight however, as we wrap up our Daniel fast prayer focus, I want to continue on our theme of what it means to “Get Ready”. And to do that I want to spend this last prayer night focused on a topic that I think we are aware of, but I’m not sure we give a lot of thought to. And the reason I don’t think we give a lot of thought to it, is because i don’t think we’re totally convinced it could happen in our lifetime. Tonight I want to talk to you about getting ready for the Lord’s return.

Because the fact is, while we don’t know the exact moment on the calendar, there is a future year, month, day, hour, minute, and second that Jesus will return. How do we know? We know because Jesus told us that was the case. In fact look at what Jesus says in Matthew 24 concerning this:

Matthew 24:36 ESV

36 “But concerning that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father only.

In this passage Jesus not only confirms He coming back, but he’s coming back at an unknown time. A day and hour that is not only unknown to us, but to the angels, and in that moment, to Jesus as well.

Now, some might ask, “How could Jesus not know? I mean isn’t He God?” Yes, He is. But what you have to remember is in this moment, Jesus in still in human form and as a result there are limitations he has placed upon himself. So while he does’t know in that moment, after his resurrection and glorification, He will know.

I know it’s kind of hard to wrap your mind around, but there are just some things in the Bible we have to accept by faith.

All that to say, there’s an unknown future moment when Jesus is going to return, and in that moment, life as people know it on earth will forever change.

So, the question then is, if that’s true, and I believe it is, then what should we do in response? I’m glad you asked, because Jesus tells us. Look at what He says:

Matthew 24:44 ESV

44 Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.

Notice what Jesus says. He says, "As a result, you must be ready”.

So, how do we get ready for that moment? That’s what I want to talk about with you tonight. And in doing so I want to give you three ways to get ready or be ready for the Lord’s return. That being said, here’s the first way:

In order to be ready, I have to live as if Jesus could come back today.

Look at what Jesus goes on to say about His return:

Matthew 24:37 ESV

37 For as were the days of Noah, so will be the coming of the Son of Man.

Notice what Jesus says. It says his return will be like the days of Noah. And when he says Noah, he’s talking about the Noah in Genesis 6. The Noah that built the ark. And we know that because Jesus goes on to say:

Matthew 24:38–39 ESV

38 For as in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day when Noah entered the ark, 39 and they were unaware until the flood came and swept them all away, so will be the coming of the Son of Man.

In this passage Jesus references the flood, which we know a lot about from Genesis 6. And then He tells us something about how the people were living and acting prior to the flood.

So, what does Jesus tell us and what do we know about it from Genesis 6. Well, let’s start with Genesis 6, and from Genesis 6 we know:

#1 - Prior to the flood the world was in a wicked state. In Genesis 6 we read:

Genesis 6:5 ESV

5 The Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intention of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.

The writer says prior to the flood, the world is in a spiritual tail spin. In fact he says that every intention of the thoughts of man’s heart was continually evil.

Doesn’t sound good, right? It wasn’t. In fact, it was so bad that God determined something must be done. Because the writer goes on to say:

Genesis 6:7 ESV

7 So the Lord said, “I will blot out man whom I have created from the face of the land, man and animals and creeping things and birds of the heavens, for I am sorry that I have made them.”

The writer says God had had it. And so he determines the only way to deal with the wickedness would be to destroy what H created. How does He do it? He does it with a flood. But the good news is, God decides to spare a few, specifically a man named Noah. Because the writer tells us:

Genesis 6:8 ESV

8 But Noah found favor in the eyes of the Lord.

And so God gives Noah some instructions. He says:

Genesis 6:13–14 ESV

13 And God said to Noah, “I have determined to make an end of all flesh, for the earth is filled with violence through them. Behold, I will destroy them with the earth. 14 Make yourself an ark of gopher wood. Make rooms in the ark, and cover it inside and out with pitch.

With coming doom imminent, God tells Noah to begin the construction of an ark, a large box shaped boat that Noah and his family would find safety in when the judgment comes.

So, let’s stop there for a second, and ask ourselves this question concerning the state of the world.

Question - Since the flood and the repopulation of the earth, is man still wicked? He is, right?

Now, are we as wicked as the generation of Noah? Well, that’s hard to say. We don’t really know. But I have to wonder if we’re not too far off. You might ask, “What do you base that off pastor?”

Here are just a few things I base it off:

I base it off the fact that since Roe vs. Wade in 1973, over 50 million babies have been aborted in the U.S. alone. I’d have to say, that’s pretty wicked.

I base it off the fact that we have become a culture that celebrates sexual immorality, homosexuality and lesbian relationships.

I base it off the fact we have become a culture that celebrates when a child can determine that God got it wrong when he made them a boy or a girl. I’d say that’s rather wicked.

I base it off the fact that we now live in a culture where wrong has become right and up has become down regardless of the moral, ethical, historical, biological, or common sense facts would say otherwise.

I’d say we live in rather wicked times, and unfortunately it’s only getting worse.

So, when Jesus says, “For as were the days of Noah, so will be the coming of the Son of Man”, what Jesus is saying is, “The worse it gets, the closer His coming.” Which means, at some point, our wickedness will reach a boiling point, and then Jesus will return.

Here’s what else we know:

#2 - We know God gave that wicked generation ample time to repent.

The fact is, Noah didn’t build this ark overnight. So, how long did it take him? Based on what scripture tells us, most theologians agree it took around 120 years. Which means the people of that generation had ample time to repent. Ample time to turn their lives around. Ample time to make things right with God.

But did they do it? No. Apparently they continued to live their life as normal. Continued to ignore the warning of a giant boat being built in front of them. Continued to ignore the warnings that Noah more than likely gave them. Instead they just kept humming along. In fact, Jesus verifies that in Matthew 24. Because look at what He goes on to say about that generation:

Matthew 24:38–39 ESV

38 For as in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day when Noah entered the ark, 39 and they were unaware until the flood came and swept them all away, so will be the coming of the Son of Man.

Jesus says they ignored the warning and continue to do life. He says they were going out to eat. They were having parties. They were getting married. They were living the pre flood dream, unaware that the flood was coming. And then the day came, and Noah entered the ark, and it was game over.

Jesus says, so will it be when He returns.

Which means, on the day Jesus returns, people will be eating out at restaurants. People will be at ball games watching their favorite team. People will be at the lake camping. People will be taking vacations. According to Jesus, it will be a normal day. A day like most any other day. And then Jesus will return, and it will be game over. Because Jesus goes on to say:

Matthew 24:40–41 ESV

40 Then two men will be in the field; one will be taken and one left. 41 Two women will be grinding at the mill; one will be taken and one left.

Jesus says when he returns, those who are ready will be saved, and those who are not will be taken.

That’s what he means when he says, “one will be taken and one left”.

It’s the idea that one will be taken to judgment and the other left for eternal life. How do we know that’s what Jesus means? We know because in the gospel of Luke, because Luke retells these same words but he gives us a little more detail. Because in the gospel of Luke when Jesus says one will be taken and one left, the disciples ask, “Where will they be taken?” Look at what Jesus tells them:

Luke 17:37 ESV

37 And they said to him, “Where, Lord?” He said to them, “Where the corpse is, there the vultures will gather.”

Jesus says they will be taken where the dead are and wear the vultures gather. Which means, you don’t want to be taken when Jesus comes back. You want to remain where He is, and He will be here on earth establishing His Kingdom.

But the fact is, God has given us ample time to prepare and repent for this event. And He’s even given us more than 120 years. To date, He’s given us over 2000 years. And just like in the day’s of Noah, since his ascension, an ark has been under construction. An ark that is meant to warn of coming judgment. An ark that is meant to protect those from judgment who repent and put their faith in Jesus. You might ask, “What ark are you talking about Pastor?” I’m talking about the church. A vessel of hope. A vessel whose soul responsibility is to lead people to Jesus.

But unfortunately not everybody is going to put their faith in Jesus. And many will be taken to judgment.

So, that’s what we know about the days of Noah, and Jesus says the days leading up to His return will be very similar.

What that means for you and I then, is we need to live as if Jesus is coming back today. Because the fact is, the warning has been issued. Jesus says He’s coming back to judge the wicked and rescue the righteous. The day is coming and it could happen at anytime. And since we don’t know when that is, we need to treat each day like today is the day.

The question then is, “How do we do that?” That leads us to the second way to get ready:

2. In order to be ready, I have to stay awake.

Matthew writes:

Matthew 24:42–44 ESV

42 Therefore, stay awake, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming. 43 But know this, that if the master of the house had known in what part of the night the thief was coming, he would have stayed awake and would not have let his house be broken into. 44 Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.

Jesus says if you want to be ready, you need to stay awake. And He doesn’t just say it once, He says it twice. And in Mark’s account He says it 3 times. You know what that tells? Because of the repetition, it tells us Jesus wants to drive this point home. The point being, if you want to be ready, you better stay awake.

So, what does that mean? It means a couple of things:

#1 - In order to be awake I need to live with constant awareness.

Look at what Jesus says:

Matthew 24:43 ESV

43 But know this, that if the master of the house had known in what part of the night the thief was coming, he would have stayed awake and would not have let his house be broken into.

In order to explain what it means to stay awake, Jesus uses the parable of a man whose home is broken into. And Jesus says a Christian’s awareness should be like that of a house owner who knew a thief was coming and so he kept guard and prepared for it. And in telling this parable Jesus makes two points:

First, people must constantly be ready for the possible return of Jesus. And second, we do that because he might come at any time.

Bottom line, if you want to be ready, live with constant awareness. Now, you might ask, “How do you do that?” Here are a couple of thoughts:

First, instead of living horizontal, start living vertically. What I mean by that, is instead of making your primary focus this life and all it has to offer, start making the life to come your primary focus. In other words, start living your life looking up. The Apostle Paul puts it like this:

Colossians 3:1–2 ESV

1 If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.

Paul says start living your life by setting your mind on things above. What how do you do that? He tells us.

Colossians 3:5–10 ESV

5 Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. 6 On account of these the wrath of God is coming. 7 In these you too once walked, when you were living in them. 8 But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth. 9 Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices 10 and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator.

Paul says in order to live vertically, you have to stop living horizontally. You have to give up your old life. In fact, it’s imperative that you do this. Because when Jesus comes back, He’s coming back for those who have. Listen to what Jesus says about this in Luke 12:

Luke 12:35–41 ESV

35 “Stay dressed for action and keep your lamps burning, 36 and be like men who are waiting for their master to come home from the wedding feast, so that they may open the door to him at once when he comes and knocks. 37 Blessed are those servants whom the master finds awake when he comes. Truly, I say to you, he will dress himself for service and have them recline at table, and he will come and serve them. 38 If he comes in the second watch, or in the third, and finds them awake, blessed are those servants! 39 But know this, that if the master of the house had known at what hour the thief was coming, he would not have left his house to be broken into. 40 You also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.” 41 Peter said, “Lord, are you telling this parable for us or for all?”

Jesus has quite a bit to say here, but I want to focus in on just a couple of things He says:

First, Jesus affirms that those who are ready are the ones who have been anticipating his coming. He says, “Their lamps are burning.” Second, he affirms that those who aren’t ready are those who weren’t anticipating his arrival.

And it’s at that point that Peter wants clarification. And he says, “Lord are you telling this parable for us or for all?”

And in typical Jesus fashion, Jesus doesn’t give Peter a straight answer. Instead, he continues the parable. And he says.

Luke 12:42–47 ESV

42 And the Lord said, “Who then is the faithful and wise manager, whom his master will set over his household, to give them their portion of food at the proper time? 43 Blessed is that servant whom his master will find so doing when he comes. 44 Truly, I say to you, he will set him over all his possessions. 45 But if that servant says to himself, ‘My master is delayed in coming,’ and begins to beat the male and female servants, and to eat and drink and get drunk, 46 the master of that servant will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour he does not know, and will cut him in pieces and put him with the unfaithful. 47 And that servant who knew his master’s will but did not get ready or act according to his will, will receive a severe beating.

Basically Jesus says, “Peter I’m talking to all. And what I’m saying is, if you’re a faithful manager, then you’ll be ready when the master returns because you’ll be anticipating for His return, and your life will reflect that.

But if you’re not a faithful manager, you won’t be ready, because instead of anticipating His return, you’ll be out eating, drinking and getting drunk.” In other words, you’ll be living horizontally, just like the world.

So, #1 - to stay awake you have to live with constant awareness.

#2 - I need to be about the Lord’s business.

Along with living with awareness, in the parable from Luke 12 Jesus is also implying that we are doing what the Master asked us to do. That’s what he means when he says:

Luke 12:42 ESV

42 And the Lord said, “Who then is the faithful and wise manager, whom his master will set over his household, to give them their portion of food at the proper time?

Jesus says he’s given us a job to do. And the job is to provide food for the household. The idea here is that Jesus has Christ followers, Jesus has given us a mission to accomplish. The mission to take the Gospel to those who need it. That’s why He goes on to say:

Luke 12:43 ESV

43 Blessed is that servant whom his master will find so doing when he comes.

Jesus basically says here, “When I return, I expect to find you about my work. And blessed is the person who is.” Because for that person:

Luke 12:44 ESV

44 Truly, I say to you, he will set him over all his possessions.

Jesus says, for that person, great will be their reward.

But, for the person who isn’t about the Lord’s business, it’s another story. Because Jesus says:

Luke 12:45–47 ESV

45 But if that servant says to himself, ‘My master is delayed in coming,’ and begins to beat the male and female servants, and to eat and drink and get drunk, 46 the master of that servant will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour he does not know, and will cut him in pieces and put him with the unfaithful. 47 And that servant who knew his master’s will but did not get ready or act according to his will, will receive a severe beating.

Jesus says, “Here’s the deal. When I come back, and if I don’t find you about my business, then I’m going to treat you like the unfaithful. As a servant who knew the master’s will, but did not get ready or act according to His will. And for that person, there will be punishment.

The bottom line is this. If you wan’t to stay awake for Jesus’s return, then you have to live with constant awareness. Which means you have to start living vertically and not horizontally.

Second, if you want to be awake, then you need to be about the Lord’s business. Daily seeking His will and His direction as you shine your light in a dark world and lead people to Jesus.

It’s called evangelism. It’s you and I making leading people to Jesus a priority in our life. To be the rescue boat. Because at the end of the day that’s what Jesus is coming back for. For His church. And we are the managers. We are the ones He has entrusted to lead others to Him.

That’s what it means to be ready.

And so as the worship team comes tonight, here’s the question I’d like you to reflect on tis question:

Question - Based on what we’ve learned tonight, are you ready for the Lord’s return?

In other words, if Jesus came back tonight, what kind of servant would He find? Would he find a servant that is ready and waiting? One that is anticipating His return?

Would he find servant that is living horizontally or vertically? A servant that has let go of the old life and embraced the new.

Would he find a servant that is about the Lord’s business? A servant that is dedicated and committed to leading people to Jesus.

What would He find? Because your answer will tell you one way or the other if you’re ready.

Let’s Pray