Seeds For Thinking

Link: http://seedsforthinking.oldgleaner.com/

* Be Prepared
* Scripture: "And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not troubled; for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. Matthew 24:6, NKJV.

"Wars and rumors of wars" - surely we have plenty of evidence in our time, but does this mean that the end times are near? Many think so, but others are not so sure. Jesus also said that there would be famines, pestilences and earthquakes. We have those, as well. More evidence?
Perhaps, perhaps not. Jesus also said that all of these things would come to pass, but would not necessarily signal the end time.
Jesus also said that no one except the Father knows the date and time - not even the angels in heaven. (Mt. 24:36) Further, He foretold the coming of false prophets, deceivers, those who will show great signs and wonders "to deceive, if possible, even the elect." (Mt. 24:24)
Chapters 24 and 25 of Matthew's Gospel are well worth rereading from time to time, just to keep us on track. In addition to the second coming, these chapters include the parables of the Two Servants, The Ten Virgins, The Talents, and the judgment of the Blessed and the Cursed (sheep and the goats.)
Jesus raises many things to think about in these discourses and parables. Wars and rumors of wars should be the least of our concerns. He said, "He who endures to the end will be saved." (Mt. 24:13)
Think about the message contained in the Parable of the Ten Virgins: We are to be prepared, vigilant, ready even if the 'coming of the bridegroom' is delayed. "Watch, therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming." (Mt. 25:13)
Be a wise servant, faithful in doing the work of the Master, for the reward for the evil and unfaithful servant is not a pretty one. Just reading it is enough to send shivers up and down your spine! (Mt. 24:45-51)
Ignorance is no excuse. Neither is the false security of doing nothing because you don't see The Master right there looking over your shoulder. Use all that you have for His sake; treat everyone as if they were The Lord Himself. Think about it: We are all created in His image.
Wars may come and go; strife is as old as humanity itself, and will continue until the end time. Remember, in that final moment, though the world and all that it contains will pass away, Jesus will not pass away, nor will our soul. That moment will determine if we will be with the group going into everlasting punishment or with the group of righteous who will spend eternity with Christ. (Mt. 25:46)
June 11, 2006