Saturday 12 October, 2013

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Romans 13:11-14

11 When you do those things, keep in mind the times we are living in. The hour has come for you to wake up from your sleep. Our full salvation is closer now than it was when we first believed in Christ. 12 The dark night of evil is nearly over. The day of Christ’s return is almost here. So let us get rid of the works of darkness. Let us put on the armor of light. 13 Let us act as we should, like people living in the daytime. Have nothing to do with wild parties. Don’t get drunk. Don’t take part in sexual sins or evil conduct. Don’t fight with each other. Don’t be jealous of anyone. 14 Instead, put on the Lord Jesus Christ as your clothing. Don’t think about how to satisfy what your sinful nature wants.

There is an urgency in Paul's words here.  The mindset of the early church was that they were living in an 'in between' time. Jesus is risen and their salvation is assured and they are sealed by the Holy Spirit; but they know that soon Jesus will return and they will be united with him and the father in heaven. They were to be ready for this time.

When I am waiting to go out somewhere I will be dressed and watching the clock, not lying in bed until I hear the bus pull up outside.  When we prayed in the mornings with the household on a recent trip to the Philippines, we greeted each other at the end with the exclamation “maranatha”, meaning come Lord Jesus.  A great reminder to live in anticipation of the second coming.

Lord please help me to constantly bear in mind that you are coming soon, help me to check my actions and priorities so that I put on the armour of light as I wait. Amen

Written by Dimity Milne

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1 (reply)
  1. David Newton says:

    Matthew 24, 25 both describe the waiting period.

    Matt 24:36 – ‘But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.’

    Mat 24:44 – ‘So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.’

    Matt 25:5 – ‘The bridegroom was a long time in coming, and they all became drowsy and fell asleep.’

    Mat 25:13 – ‘Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour.’

    Bottom line is, if you are consciously waiting you will probably be prepared otherwise you will most like not.

    Thanks Dimity

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