Are You Ready? Are You Certain? Parts 1 & 2 - Nov. 28th & Dec. 5th, 2021

Formal Elements / Descriptive Data

Text (focused on a complete thought-unit of Scripture providing the sermon’s authoritative basis & biblical affirmation):

Matthew 25:1–13 KJV 1900

1 Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom. 2 And five of them were wise, and five were foolish. 3 They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them: 4 But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. 5 While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept. 6 And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him. 7 Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps. 8 And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out. 9 But the wise answered, saying, Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves. 10 And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut. 11 Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us. 12 But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not. 13 Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.

Central Idea of the Text (CIT; details of text summarized in a complete, past tense sentence): Jesus taught His disciples to be always ready for His return: Failure to prepare in advance brings disastrous consequences, but those prepared are blessed with peace and joy.

Proposition (major idea of sermon summarized in a complete sentence using present active, future indicative or imperative mood; the message): By looking ahead in preparation now for the imminent return of Christ, you can enjoy peace while waiting for Him, and never fear the tragedy of His ultimate renunciation.

Statement of Purpose:

(1) Major Objective (MO; focuses on only one of six possible [doctrinal, devotional, ethical, evangelistic, consecrative, or supportive]) – Ethical

(2) Specific Objective (SO; focuses on only one; calls for specific action [“I want my hearer to . . .”]) – live with a clear conscience that he has done everything possible to be ready when Jesus comes.

Title (Topic/Name) (2 to 4 words with key, arrow, or unifying word usually common to all major ideas; innovative, interesting, contemporary; indicative of general sermon content; not sensational or cute): Sure You Are Ready?

Structural Pattern (1 of 8 possible [enumeration, exploration, biographical, narrative, analogical, causal, problem-solution/question-answer, elimination]): Full-Orbed; Optional - Exploration (Bridegroom’s perspective, Wise/Foolish)

Informal Elements / Rhetorical Data

Initiation — Life Interest — Beginning Movement/Episode/Issue:

Life Material (LM) = “LIFE MATERIAL”: The telling/re-presenting of supportive life-material; compelling, fresh, interesting, believable; clearly related to the general conflict, mystery, question, problem, etc. being dealt with; use various sources or types; connect with listener’s experiences; strong, interesting opening sentence(s):

Introduction:

Have you ever had a dream where you are free-falling, only to wake up in bed? Ryan Campbell wasn’t dreaming when he fell down a 60-foot cliff in the Daniel Boone National Forest in Kentucky, but he was sleeping. Thankfully, he suffered only minor injuries. While fully awake people can fall, the likelihood increases if you’re sleepwalking while camping near a cliff. Being alert is more than merely being awake; it is watchful diligence. —Jim L. Wilson

[Jim L. Wilson, “Sleepwalking off a Cliff,” in 300 Illustrations for Preachers, ed. Elliot Ritzema (Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2015).]

I. Contemporary Examples:

A. Specific Recent Reports of General Unpreparedness -

1. A Nation Ill-Prepared; Omicron Variant of the CCP Virus

2. IFB Churches Ill-Prepared; Closures, Pastorless

3. Families Ill-Prepared; All Have Been Forced to Adapt, Not All Have Overcome, Many Have Succumb

Quote - “Crises—like sudden rainstorms—can help or hinder, enrich or engulf, depending on whether or not we have properly prepared for them.” —William Arthur Ward

[Roy B. Zuck, The Speaker’s Quote Book: Over 4,500 Illustrations and Quotations for All Occasions (Grand Rapids, MI: Kregel Publications, 1997), 391.]

Life Issue (LI) = “LIFE ISSUE”: Posits question; creates problem; establishes mystery; arouses curiosity, anticipation; imposes conflict; establishes suspense, ambiguity, or bind:

B. Specific Recent Stories of Close Friends & Family Who Waited Until It Was Too Late -

1. A Catholic Grandfather Trusting His Church to Take Him to Heaven.

2. A Protestant Grandmother Trusting Her Good Works & the Social Gospel to Somehow Merit Grace for Her Sin-sick Soul.

3. A Baptist Regular Attender Having Never Publicly Confessed Christ Before the World.

Continuation — Progress — Middle Movement/Episode/Option:

LM:

II. Old Testament Examples:

A. Was Adam Prepared for the Consequence of Sin? Fig-Leaves; Was Cain? Expelled.

B. Were Those in Noah’s Day Prepared for the Judgment of God in the Flood? Noah Alone Found Grace. (Heb. 11:7)

Hebrews 11:7 KJV 1900

7 By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith.

Biblical Material/Exposition (EXP) = “EXPOSITION”: Summary of biblical material & identification of text(s) by vs. no.; exposit only from selected text; 3rd person pronouns; past tense; expresses the “then-ness” aspect:

C. Benaiah (1 Chron. 11:22-25)

1 Chronicles 11:22–25 KJV 1900

22 Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, the son of a valiant man of Kabzeel, who had done many acts; he slew two lionlike men of Moab: also he went down and slew a lion in a pit in a snowy day. 23 And he slew an Egyptian, a man of great stature, five cubits high; and in the Egyptian’s hand was a spear like a weaver’s beam; and he went down to him with a staff, and plucked the spear out of the Egyptian’s hand, and slew him with his own spear. 24 These things did Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, and had the name among the three mighties. 25 Behold, he was honourable among the thirty, but attained not to the first three: and David set him over his guard.

1. Prepared for Success with the Right Attitude.

As we consider Benaiah’s life, we notice first of all the importance of having the right attitudes. He came from a godly home. He had been born and reared in Kabzeel, a small village on the border between Judah and Edom (Joshua 15:21). Life was hard in this arid, semi-desert area, and Bedouin from the desert were constantly trying to overrun their village and drive off their flocks and herds. A man had to learn early in life how to defend his wife and children, and safeguard his livestock.

Benaiah’s father was a priest (27:5), and his grandfather was a great and godly man. Together they set Benaiah an example of righteousness and dedication to duty that made a lasting impression on him. We can imagine the talk around the dinner table being both political and religious, and the thoughts implanted in young Benaiah’s mind gave him a clear perspective on life. Israel was experiencing times of adversity under the poor leadership of King Saul, and some big decisions faced Benaiah as he reached manhood. There came a day when, placing commitment to what was right ahead of expediency, he left his home and joined forces with David, most likely in the cave of Adullam.

The key to Benaiah’s decision lay in the training he had received in his home. It led to the development of internalized norms and standards that resulted in independent thought and action. And these attitudes characterized all he did.

As we reflect upon the importance of a godly home, we have occasion to remind ourselves that only in such an environment can proper beliefs, values, and goals be cultivated. And the inculcation of these values in our children requires of us involvement, modeling, and instruction in their lives. As we read about what Benaiah did, and then reflect back upon the home from which he came, we realize how much of his success can be attributed to the attitudes and example set him by his father and grandfather.

It is in the home that character is formed; and depending on the kind of character developed, it can lead ultimately to success without compromise or regret.

[Cyril J. Barber, 1 Chronicles: The Faithfulness of God to His Word Illustrated in the Lives of the People of Judah, Focus on the Bible Commentary (Scotland: Christian Focus Publications, 2004), 117–118.]

2. By Being Proactive “These things DID Beniah . . .”

As we take a closer look at the verses before us, we come across a second principle of success: the importance of being proactive.

It should not surprise us that, as Benaiah attained manhood, he became known for his own “mighty deeds.” He did not become great all at once. There was a methodical growth that eventually was seen in significant acts of bravery. And these paved the way for the three notable feats that are described for us in the text. Each act illustrates the importance of taking the initiative, the ability to press home an advantage, and the know-how that accompanies calculated risks so that what we do eventually results in success.

The first remarkable act occurred when Benaiah struck down “two lionlike men” of Moab . . . the point brought before us is that Benaiah did not suddenly become a mighty man of valor. He had developed his skills over many years. He defeated these “Ariels” of Moab because he had disciplined himself and could draw on his skills when occasion required. He also had developed the strength needed for the task, and possessed the insight, courage and resourcefulness necessary for success. And for his bravery he won deserved fame.

A second illustration of Benaiah’s ability occurred one wintry day. A lion, probably driven out of the hills by hunger, had approached a village. The snow lying on the ground had blurred visual distinctions, and the lion had fallen into a pit or well. It would have been easy for Benaiah to walk by and ignore the danger this trapped animal posed for the women and children of the village. Furthermore, no one was standing on the sidelines to cheer him on.

Disregarding any danger to himself, Benaiah jumped into the pit and single-handedly took on this hungry, frightened and angry “king of beasts.” It was not an easy task. Lions strike fear into the heart of the bravest people.

. . . The third incident illustrating Benaiah’s ability to size up a situation and take appropriate action has to do with an Egyptian. This man was of impressive stature, seven and a half feet tall; and his spear, nearly twice the thickness of a 4″ × 4″, was probably about ten feet long. Benaiah was armed only with a rod. Once again he acted decisively. Possibly avoiding the Egyptian’s lunge, he wrested the spear from his hand and then killed him with his own weapon.

Of great importance to us as we consider Benaiah’s accomplishments is the fact that he did not fear failure. The training he had received in his home had developed a positive trust in God, his skills had been honed with practice, and he had developed the ability to size up a situation and take prompt action.

. . . [Benaiah was a man] of conviction, active in doing what needed to be done, and refusing to be neutralized to the point of inefficiency by the magnitude of the tasks [he] undertook or the strength of the opposition. . . Benaiah achieved success without compromise or regret.

[Barber, 118–121.]

3. By Handling Disappointment with Maturity.

The third point brought before us in the text concerns the importance of handling disappointments properly. As we have found, David’s mighty men were divided into two separate groups of three each. “The [First] Three” constituted his “Joint Chiefs of Staff;” the second triad appears to have held special positions in the army. “The Thirty” were commanders of various divisions within David’s army. While Benaiah’s exploits had earned him well-deserved fame, he “did not attain to the three.” He was not permitted into this “inner circle” of David’s advisors. This may have been of great personal disappointment to him.

All of us face personal disappointments. We may not achieve our goal of becoming president of our company or even of receiving recognition from our peers. The way we handle such setbacks determines whether or not we become a hero to ourselves. Our circumstances are not decisive; we are decisive. We do not need to allow personal setbacks to sour our personality or grind cinders into our soul. We can do as Benaiah did and faithfully persevere with the tasks assigned to us.

Much later, after David had become king, he placed Benaiah in charge of his personal bodyguard. It was now his responsibility, along with the Cherethites and Pelethites, to guard the king’s person. Why did David do this? He had found that Benaiah could be trusted! But why did David need a company of foreigners to guard his person? Apparently there were some in Israel who had not sworn allegiance to him. And murder of those in high places was not unusual. Ish-bosheth, Saul’s son, had been murdered, and David could not fully trust Joab, his general, for he had murdered both Abner and Absalom, and in the future would murder Amasa. As we shall see in our next chapter, David also found it necessary to have close at hand his personal army of six hundred Gittites.

[Barber,121–122.]

Note - Describe how each of these attributes would become vital to the ultimate success of Jesus’ disciples

Application: Jesus (The Son of David) is looking for those who will prepare now to be a Benaiah with Him in His Millennial Kingdom. What you do for the Lord here will impact what He promotes you to do there.

D. Rehoboam: Failed to Prepare His Heart to Seek the Lord; Tragic Consequences for the Nation (II Chron. 12:13-16)

2 Chronicles 12:13–16 KJV 1900

13 So king Rehoboam strengthened himself in Jerusalem, and reigned: for Rehoboam was one and forty years old when he began to reign, and he reigned seventeen years in Jerusalem, the city which the Lord had chosen out of all the tribes of Israel, to put his name there. And his mother’s name was Naamah an Ammonitess. 14 And he did evil, because he prepared not his heart to seek the Lord. 15 Now the acts of Rehoboam, first and last, are they not written in the book of Shemaiah the prophet, and of Iddo the seer concerning genealogies? And there were wars between Rehoboam and Jeroboam continually. 16 And Rehoboam slept with his fathers, and was buried in the city of David: and Abijah his son reigned in his stead.

Obeying God’s Word. God speaks to us primarily through special revelation (i.e., His Word). Sensitivity is needed to detect what He may be saying. This involves a dependence on the leading of the Holy Spirit. Rehoboam’s men discerned in Shemaiah’s words the command of the Lord, and obeyed. The king only went along with them when he saw the ranks of his army dwindling behind him.

Rehoboam had been reared by a father who spent time with him and sought to instill in him biblically based beliefs, values and goals (Proverbs 1:1–9:18). Apparently Rehoboam did not respond to Solomon’s instruction and so began his reign by making a series of mistakes. He recovered, however, and for a three-year period acted wisely. Solomon would have been proud of him. But there came a time when, in the pride of his heart, he thought he no longer needed to depend on the Lord and began to indulge in questionable things. When God’s judgment did not fall on him immediately, he may have thought that he could get away with his transgressions of God’s law. This soon led to “forsaking the law of the Lord” altogether (12:1). And having tried the patience and lovingkindness of God, He intervened and quickly removed the things in which Rehoboam trusted.

I have dealt with Rehoboam’s substituting shields of brass for the shields of gold that Solomon had made in my commentary on 1 Kings. I shall not repeat here what I mentioned there. Sufficient to say that each time Rehoboam went to the Temple he saw the evidence of God’s presence in the pillar of cloud by day and the pillar of fire by night. These phenomena could not be duplicated in pagan worship. And he, who should have “established his people” in the truth ended up like a frightened rabbit in its burrow (12:13), reduced to such pitiful straits that he could no longer fortify the cities of Judah. All this is a sad commentary on the results of self-will.

Preparing Our Hearts to Seek the Lord

Finally, as a pastor, I occasionally perform funeral services. When a person reaches the end of the days allotted to him or her by God, the only thing that really matters is his/her relationship with the Lord. I conducted one funeral service for a man who had been a very successful businessman. Before he died, he confided in me that his many accomplishments, numerous philanthropic activities, and scores of accolades meant nothing to him. All he wanted to know was how he stood with the Lord.

Rehoboam’s obituary is precise (2 Chron. 12:13–16). His lasting epitaph is found in the words, “He did evil in the sight of the Lord, because he did not prepare his heart to seek the Lord.” As we shall see, this criterion will become one of the Chronicler’s main points of emphasis. God had given Rehoboam ample evidence of His authority, power, and right to be worshipped. The responsibility to seek Him rested with him—as it does with each one of us.

[Cyril J. Barber, 2 Chronicles: The Faithfulness of God to His Word Illustrated in the Lives of the People of Judah, Focus on the Bible Commentary (Ross-shire, Scotland: Christian Focus Publications, 2004), 95–96.]

Tentative Resolution (TR) = “TENTATIVE RESOLUTION”: Temporary, incomplete, or incorrect conclusion; using present active, future indicative, or imperative mood, strong verbs (avoid “to be” or “to have” etc.):

E. The Virtuous Woman (Prov. 31:10-19)

Proverbs 31:18 KJV 1900

18 She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: Her candle goeth not out by night.

“10 Who can find a virtuous woman? For her price is far above rubies. 11 The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, So that he shall have no need of spoil. 12 She will do him good and not evil All the days of her life. 13 She seeketh wool, and flax, And worketh willingly with her hands. 14 She is like the merchants’ ships; She bringeth her food from afar. 15 She riseth also while it is yet night, And giveth meat to her household, And a portion to her maidens. 16 She considereth a field, and buyeth it: With the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard. 17 She girdeth her loins with strength, And strengtheneth her arms. 18 She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: Her candle goeth not out by night. 19 She layeth her hands to the spindle, And her hands hold the distaff.”

Note - Is this a picture of someone who is prepared or unprepared?

Transitional Sentence (TS) = “TRANSITIONAL SENTENCE”: Indicates change & progression of thought or direction; needs to achieve smooth, logical transition:

The OT is full of examples of how important it is to be prepared at any time to meet God. The New Testament also provides helpful insight.

Next Movement/Episode/Option:

LM:

III. New Testament Examples:

A. Accounts in the Acts:

1. The Ethiopian Eunuch (Acts 8:26-40)

Acts 8:37 KJV 1900

37 And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.

2. The Philippian Jailer (Acts 16:16-40)

Acts 16:30–31 KJV 1900

30 And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved? 31 And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.

How could Paul & Silas sing at midnight? They were ready to meet Jesus.

How did they help the Jailer prepare? By helping him get ready to meet Jesus.

EXP:

B. Paul Before Felix & Festus (Acts 25:21)

Acts 25:21 KJV 1900

21 But when Paul had appealed to be reserved unto the hearing of Augustus, I commanded him to be kept till I might send him to Caesar.

Scripture’s Diagnosis (1 Peter 3:15)

There is a Greek word used only once in the New Testament and yet what a practical word it is for today’s Christian. It is the word {diagnopsis} and yes, the English word is a derivative. It means discernment or something that is distinguished. In Acts 25:21, it was used by Luke, the author, to describe Festus’ discussion with King Agrippa concerning the Apostle Paul. When Festus spoke of Paul’s scheduled meeting with Agrippa, he used the word translated “hearing” (KJV). Paul then followed shortly after with his defense address in the presence of Agrippa. It is unusual to describe what Paul was about to speak as a “hearing,” but in the Christian’s life it is very appropriate. We are daily bombarded with attacks on our faith. Christians must be well prepared to face the scrutiny and “diagnosis” of the world (1 Pet. 3:15). How will you react to the examination of the world? Will you find that you are not prepared? Will you find that your preparedness is founded in self-reliance? Self-diagnosis should occur first before the world begins its “hearing” about your faith.—Spiros Zodhiates

[AMG Bible Illustrations, Bible Illustrations Series (Chattanooga: AMG Publishers, 2000).]

Note - Paul was prepared, but Agrippa was sadly only “Almost Persuaded”

TR:

C. In the Life of Christ, Simon (a Religious Leader): Prepared to Entertain But Not to Honor Jesus (Lk. 7:36-50)

“36 And one of the Pharisees desired him that he would eat with him. And he went into the Pharisee’s house, and sat down to meat. 37 And, behold, a woman in the city, which was a sinner, when she knew that Jesus sat at meat in the Pharisee’s house, brought an alabaster box of ointment, 38 And stood at his feet behind him weeping, and began to wash his feet with tears, and did wipe them with the hairs of her head, and kissed his feet, and anointed them with the ointment. 39 Now when the Pharisee which had bidden him saw it, he spake within himself, saying, This man, if he were a prophet, would have known who and what manner of woman this is that toucheth him: for she is a sinner. 40 And Jesus answering said unto him, Simon, I have somewhat to say unto thee. And he saith, Master, say on. 41 There was a certain creditor which had two debtors: the one owed five hundred pence, and the other fifty. 42 And when they had nothing to pay, he frankly forgave them both. Tell me therefore, which of …”

TS:

Both life and the Bible shows us many examples: It pays to be prepared to meet the Lord. But what does it mean to be “prepared”? Our text says clearly that only those wise virgins who were “ready” went in to celebrate, the other foolish five were excluded and repudiated.

Matthew 25:10 KJV 1900

10 And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut.

Jesus’ own application of the parable is bold in verse 13, where He says,

Matthew 25:13 KJV 1900

13 Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.

Consummation — Climax — Ending Movement/Episode/Option:

LM (most effective material used closer to climax):

IV. Watch Therefore:

A. Reasons to Become and Remain Prepared

1. Certain things can never be acquired a the last minute

2. Certain things can never be borrowed or lent

Note - there is an element of individual responsibility

Proverbs 22:3 KJV 1900

3 A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself: But the simple pass on, and are punished.

Illustration - Sparklers at our wedding

Application: The church has known for 2,000 years that Jesus is coming again, and yet many believers have become lethargic and drowsy. They are no longer excited about the soon-coming of the Lord. As a result, there is little effective witness given that the Lord is returning. The oil for burning reminds us of the special oil used in the tabernacle services (Ex. 27:20–21). Oil is usually a symbol of the Spirit of God, but I wonder if this particular oil is not also a symbol of the Word of God. The church should be “holding forth the word of life” in this dark and wicked world (Phil. 2:12–16). We need to keep the word of His patience (Rev. 3:10) and keep witnessing of the return of Jesus Christ.

[Warren W. Wiersbe, The Bible Exposition Commentary, vol. 1 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1996), 91–92.]

B. Requirements of the Ready Ones

1. The upward look of expectation

Paul defines this look of expectation in terms of loving His appearing (2 Tim. 4:8). This is why John the apostle tells us that when the Lord says, “Surely, I come quickly,” every person who really loves the Saviour will reply, “Even so, come, Lord Jesus” (Rev. 22:20).

2. The inward look of preparation

As we have seen already, the essential preparation involves the receiving, enthroning, and obeying of the Holy Spirit. This, then is the kind of preparation of heart and life which anticipates the coming of the heavenly Bridegroom. Such preparation is nothing less than purification, and so we are reminded that “every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.” (1 Jn. 3:3).

3. The outward look of occupation

The word to His waiting and watching servants is “Occupy till I come” (Luke 19:13).

[Stephen F. Olford, “Our Coming Bridegroom,” ed. Maze Jackson, Golden Nuggets 9 (1973).]

C. Results of Looking Ahead

1. Peaceful Rest During the Wait

Illustration: Packing for trip the night before

2. Joyful Reception When Jesus Comes

Note - Two ways to sleep: in preparedness or in carelessness

You may do anything which you would not be ashamed to be doing when Christ shall come. You may do anything which you would not blush to be found doing if the hand of death should smite you; but if you would dread to die in any spot, go not there; if you would not wish to enter the presence of your God with such-and-such a word upon your lip, utter not that word; or if there would be a thought that would be uncongenial to the judgment-day, seek not to think that thought. So act that you may feel you can take your shroud with you wherever you go. 349.13

[Charles Haddon Spurgeon, Exploring the Mind and Heart of the Prince of Preachers: Five-Thousand Illustrations Selected from the Works of Charles Haddon Spurgeon (Oswego, IL: Fox River Press, 2005), 107.]

Note - By the time unbelieving Israel (the five foolish) could return to retrieve the oil they should have brought to begin with, Jesus would already be celebrating with His Bride (the church) and her maids (believing Israel - the 5 wise).

EXP:

V. The Parable of the Ten Virgins:

A. The Bridegroom Tarries (Matt. 25:1-5)

1. The Foolish Virgins Took No Extra Oil (vv. 1-3)

2. The Wise Took Extra Oil (v. 4)

3. All Nodded Off & Slept (v. 5)

B. The Bridegroom Arrives (Matt. 25:6-9)

1. The Cry at Midnight Awakens All; They then Trim Their Lamps (vv. 6-7)

2. The Foolish Ask in Vain to Borrow Oil from the Wise (v. 8)

3. The Wise Counsel the Foolish to Buy More Oil (v. 9)

C. The Wedding Feast (Matt. 25:10-12)

1. Those Prepared Are Welcomed Into the Feast (v. 10)

2. Those Unprepared Are Locked Out & Repudiated Upon Their Return (vv. 11-12)

Being a bridesmaid was a great honor; to be insultingly unprepared and shut out of the feast was the stuff of which young women’s nightmares were made.

[Craig S. Keener, The IVP Bible Background Commentary: New Testament (Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1993), Mt 25:1–13.]

D. The Lesson: Be Prepared (Matt. 25:13)

Final Resolution (FR) = “FINAL RESOLUTION”: Disclosure of proposition, answer, solution (*possible deductive/direct material; *application accomplished [explicitly/implicitly]; *carry-out stated purpose [MO/SO]; *1st & 2nd person pronouns; action-centered; relevant; *possible recapitulation):

Conclusion:

Look ahead and prepare now for ways to keep the lights burning for the long haul.

Jesus taught His disciples to be always ready for His return: Failure to prepare in advance brings disastrous consequences, but those prepared are blessed with peace and joy.

By looking ahead in preparation now for the imminent return of Christ, you can enjoy peace while waiting for Him, and never fear the tragedy of His ultimate renunciation.

Live with a clear conscience that he has done everything possible to be ready when Jesus comes.

Second Coming [600]

You just know that some things are going to happen sooner or later.

That’s the way it was with Michael Parfit, a writer for Smithsonian magazine. For a feature article on the mighty Mississippi River, Parfit rode in a twelve-foot rubber dinghy down the Mississippi from Memphis, Tennessee, to the Gulf of Mexico.

Parfit learned of the incredible power of this giant river. The Mississippi gathers its water from 41 percent of the continental U.S., catching water from Montana to New York. Half a trillion tons of water flow down the Mississippi every year, carrying downstream sixty-three thousand tons of soil a day.

A river this big is a threat to the surrounding countryside. That’s why engineers have built levees to pinch the mighty giant and keep it from flooding the farmland and towns nearby. The levees on the lower Mississippi stand, on average, twenty-five feet high and run for 2,203 miles on both sides of the main river and its tributaries.

“As the wall was built over the years,” writes Parfit, “people came to live under its protection. They tore down the forest and planted cotton, and the floodplain of the Mississippi became the expanse of farmland known as the Mississippi Delta.”

More than eight million people live in the Delta. But at what risk? Parfit flew in a plane over the Mississippi Delta and saw plainly the river’s tracks on the land, where it once had flooded the Delta.

“The levee … cages the giant, or appears to,” writes Parfit. “And no one but birds and an occasional light-plane pilot notices the long sweep of the river’s indelible script. What the river has written in the mud again and again is simple: ‘Someday . . . .’ ”

Someday . . . will come another flood. That’s what Parfit warned in February of 1993. Someday soon will come another devastating flood like the ones in 1882, 1927, and 1973.

“People in this valley get a sense everything is totally controlled,” one engineer told Parfit. “That’s a false sense of security. We haven’t seen anything yet in this valley as to what this river can do. We’re not in control of anything.”

“The river,” wrote Parfit in February 1993, “moves brown, swift, unpredictable, enormous, always murmuring ‘Someday . . .—…’ ”

In February 1993 when his article was published, Parfit could not have imagined how right he would be. Only months after the publication of the article, in the summer of 1993, came one of the worst floods in the history of the Mississippi.

God’s Word warns that someday [imminent], in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, Christ will return to the earth, bringing the terrible wrath of God on all who have not prepared their lives for his coming. Nothing can stop him. The wise person gets ready.

[600 Michael Parfit, “And What Words Shall Describe the Mississippi, Great Father of Rivers?” Smithsonian, February 1993, 36.]

[Craig Brian Larson, 750 Engaging Illustrations for Preachers, Teachers & Writers (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books, 2002), 485–486.]