2020 11 29 Notices

JESUS CHRIST IS COMING AGAIN! ARE YOU READY?

Text: “At that time people will see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and
glory. And he will send his angels and gather his elect from the four winds, from the ends
of the earth to the ends of the heavens…What I say to you, I say to everyone: ‘Watch!’”
(Mark 13:26-27, 37).
Reading: Mark 13-24-37

Hymn: Low he comes with clouds descending – StF 177

Advent begins the Christian year. It is a season of preparation to celebrate the first
coming of the Lord Jesus – Christmas. Most importantly, however, advent reminds us
that Jesus is coming again and calls on us to be ready all the time for his coming.
In Mark 13, Jesus talks about the end time and the signs accompanying it. Jesus had
told them about the coming destruction of the temple in Jerusalem and the disciples
wanted to know when this will happen and the signs (Mark 13:4). Jesus taught then
them the signs that will precede the destruction of Jerusalem and his coming.
Jesus was however careful not to leave room for any speculation and unhelpful time
calculations. He was content to leave the knowledge of his second coming to God, his
and our father. Thus, he impressed upon his disciples that the time of his return is not
as important as the readiness for his coming. To Jesus, the signs: changes in the weather
and climate and violence in the universe, wars, and troubles, were enough to alert them
and us to be ready anytime for his return.
The questions one ponders then are? Are we seeing the signs? Are there drastic changes
in the climate? Are the powers of the heavens being shaken? Are there troubles and
tribulations in the world? If our answer to any of these is yes, then we should be ready
because Jesus could return anytime.
Jesus concluded with a parable that invites us all to be ready and watchful for his
coming. We are like the door keeper that the master commanded to watch as we wait
for Jesus’ coming. His final statement: ‘And what I say to you, I say to all: Watch!’,
is very instructive. We must be a watchful, ever-ready, expectant people. This does not
mean we live in unnecessary fear. It rather calls for rejoicing that when Jesus comes, he
will meet us ready. In being ready, we need to WATCH. We must be watchful in
Words, Attitude, Talk, Character and Habit. Jesus Christ is indeed coming again.

Are you ready ?