How are we to be Ready?        

Some thoughts on Matthew 24₄₅ - 25₄₆

Jesus emphatically says, "So you also must be ready ..." Math 24₄₄
Then he tells 4 parables to show how to be ready, and what we need to be careful to avoid.
Each is centred on one Man - A Householder, A Bridegroom, A Master, and A King.
In each story, men failed while this one Man (Jesus Christ) was absent or seemingly 'delayed'.
     (i.e. ~2000 years between 1st and 2nd Coming).
Not surprisingly there was a crisis when he returned!
His subjects were not ready.
Only the ready righteous were received.
But there was a disastrous ending for all those who were not ready. What happened?
    1. Cut in pieces and assigned to place of weeping and gnashing of teeth.
    2. Shut out - for ever.
    3. Thrown into darkness where there is weeping and gnashing of teeth.
    4. Eternal punishment.
These are not idle threats or ancient exaggerations to frighten men.
It is the awful and solemn truth from the mouth of the Son of God himself.
So it must be an exceedingly foolish man who ignores such timely warnings.

 
Why weren't they ready?   What were they doing?

1. The servants in charge of his household. (Church leaders? And many others)
      Misused their power; enjoyed their privileged lifestyle, eating and being drunk.

2. Five Foolish Virgins. (Church members?)
      Didn't realise the urgency. Careless and either lazy
        or too busy with this world to care about the next.

3. One Talent man. (Keen on the moral code - but not the Cross?)
      Thought his Master and the Law were harsh - too difficult to keep.
      He refused to be directed by the 'Schoolmaster' who pointed him to Christ.  (Gal 2₂₀)
      No gratitude for his mercy and grace because he rejected God free rescue plan.
      He wanted to earn his way to heaven. No wonder he gave up.

4. Goats ( Liked to be seen being kind. 'Photo opportunity' Christians?)
      No heart-felt care or compassion. Did nothing real - not even 1st mile!
      Selfish - Blind to needs of others, even those close at hand.

 
Faithful servants, were not distracted when their Master seemed 'delayed'.
    "True faith is not a single step, but a long walk."

What are their distinguishing characteristics?    How can we be ready?

Zealous, grateful, compassionate, obedient, making the most of the time.
Disciplined consistent prayer and an earnest longing for Jesus.
Diligently searched the scriptures to learn truth.
Learned the value of wise practical priorities and good habits -
    in thoughts as well as deeds. 'The good is often the enemy of the best.'
Made realistic goals - and then keep them!
Beware of the easy distraction of TV. Its influence is greater than you may think.
    There is some good programmes but much time is wasted, and many evil thoughts can intrude.
Obedient, not because I must but because I may (enabled by new birth). Jer 31₃₃
Noah wasn't righteous because obedient, but obedient because he was righteous.
Live a holy life (learn to hate even the smallest sin; never, never excuse it). 1 Thes 5₂₃ Tit 2₁₃ 2 Tim 4₁
Dare to be different from the world. Help each other to live our lives with Jesus.
Do not just live only for the present saying "whatever will be, will be ..." (= fatalism).
You cannot make sense of the present unless you remember the past and anticipate the future.
      We need to learn from history - it is a vast collection of evil errors and righteous acts.
      We need to heed sure future warnings and delight in sure future hope.
Zeal and sacrifice. It is better to wear out than to rust out.
Be aware, alert, eyes open, discerning, don't just 'swim with the tide'.
Remember the object of worship is worship; not 'me having a good time'.
Long for united goal, mutual respect, corporate purity of belief and behaviour.
Be consistent. Walk humbly in the love and fear and expectation of God.

If we keep to these paths, trusting on the full grace and enabling of God, we will be ready.

"He who loves the coming of the Lord
is not he who affirms it is far off, nor is it he who says it is near,
rather it is he who, whether it is far off or near,
awaits it with sincere faith, steadfast hope and fervent love."   Augustine

These 4 parable stories teach us so much about being ready in an increasingly wicked world.
A world that distracts and entices us away from righteousness, truth and justice.
A world that blatently encourages us to ignore or insult the Living God.

Jesus says, "You must be ready!"