Preparing for the End Times (Part 3)

​Jesus warned that, before his return, “because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold” (Matt. 24:12). “You’ve got to look out for number one,” they’ll say. Christians ought to be different. Believers should be known for their care and compassion, expressed in serving one another.

One of the ways in which believers prepare for the return of Christ, is service. In Luke 12:42-44 Jesus tells a short parable about a wise servant: “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? Blessed is that servant whom his master will find so doing when he comes. Truly, I say to you, he will set him over all his possessions.”

In the parable the master leaves his servant in charge while he is away. The newly appointed manager has not only been given the responsibility of supervising the other servants’ work, but also of providing for their needs. If he fulfils this responsibility faithfully, he is called “blessed”. He becomes the object of his master’s special favour. What blessing does his master bestow on him? An even greater position with even greater responsibility. His master’s return is not something he fears, because he was doing what his master commanded him to do.

But what about an unfaithful servant? I still remember the feeling of dread that came over me as a child when my parents got home, and my room was still a mess. They told me to clean it up before they got home. I didn’t and now I would have to face the consequences. As Christians, we need not wait for the Lord’s return with dread. We prepare for Christ’s return by being busy with the work that he has given us. 

In Matt. 25:31-45 Jesus describes his return as a great tribunal. On that day our love for the Lord will be measured by our service to others, because “as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me” (v. 40). We prepare for that great day by sacrificial love and service: providing a meal to the hungry, a cup of water to the thirsty, clothing to the naked, care for the sick, and comfort to the afflicted (v. 35-36).

The end times are a powerful motivator for service in the present. Instead of withdrawing from others, we run to their aid. This is how believers prepare for the return of Christ.

Because of Christ,
Pastor Pieter