Living in Light of the Prophecy: Our Present Duty • ~10 min read
Welcome, dear friends, to another journey into God's Word! As we live in the light of prophetic understanding, our hearts are stirred with both urgency and hope. The prophecies reveal that we are living in the very last days of earth's history, pointing to the soon return of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. This isn't just a fascinating theological concept; it's a living truth that profoundly impacts how we live today. Our lesson today focuses on a vital question: How do we prepare for Christ's glorious return? Let's open our Bibles and discover God's clear instructions for us.
The Bible leaves no doubt about the reality of Christ's second coming. It will be a literal, visible, and personal event. Just as the disciples watched Him ascend to heaven, so too will He return.
And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight. And while they looked stedfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel; Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.
Acts 1:9-11
This promise is further amplified by John's vision in Revelation, emphasizing the global impact of this event:
Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen.
Revelation 1:7
And let us not forget the beautiful promise Jesus Himself gave to comfort His disciples, and us:
Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.
John 14:1-3
These verses assure us that His return is not a myth or a metaphor, but a definite future event. This certainty should fill our hearts with both anticipation and a sense of responsibility to be ready.
Knowing that Christ will return, but not knowing the exact day or hour, calls us to constant vigilance. Jesus repeatedly warned His followers to "watch."
Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come. But know this, that if the goodman of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken up. Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.
Matthew 24:42-44
To "watch" means more than just looking for signs; it means living in a state of spiritual preparedness, keeping our spiritual lamps trimmed and burning. It means not allowing the cares of this world to dull our spiritual senses.
Take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is. For the Son of man is as a man taking a far journey, who left his house, and gave authority to his servants, and to every man his work, and commanded the porter to watch. Watch ye therefore: for ye know not when the master of the house cometh, at even, or at midnight, or at the cockcrowing, or in the morning: Lest coming suddenly he find you sleeping. And what I say unto you I say unto all, Watch.
Mark 13:33-37
Jesus also cautioned against becoming complacent or distracted by worldly pursuits:
And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares. For as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth. Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.
Luke 21:34-36
Our readiness is not a one-time event, but a continuous state of spiritual diligence, prayer, and focus on heavenly things.
What does this spiritual readiness look like in our daily lives? The Bible calls us to a life of holiness and active service, reflecting the character of Christ.
Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance: But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.
1 Peter 1:13-16
This call to holiness is directly linked to our expectation of Christ's return. Peter urges us to live lives that reflect the purity of God:
Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness, Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat? Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness. Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless.
2 Peter 3:11-14
Our preparation involves a transformation of character, empowered by God's grace. It means actively seeking righteousness and striving to be found "without spot, and blameless."
Paul also reminds us of the practical implications of God's grace:
For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.
Titus 2:11-14
We are called to deny ungodliness and worldly lusts, to live soberly, righteously, and godly, and to be "zealous of good works." Our preparation is not passive; it is an active, Spirit-led pursuit of Christlike character and service.
Part of our readiness also involves sharing the good news with others. We are not to keep this blessed hope to ourselves.
And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.
Matthew 24:14
The urgency of the hour calls us to participate in God's final message to the world. The book of Revelation describes a special message that goes forth just before Christ's return:
And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people, Saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters.
Revelation 14:6-7
As we prepare our own hearts, we are also called to be instruments in God's hands to prepare others, sharing the everlasting gospel and the solemn message of judgment and true worship. This is our present duty, a joyful privilege, and an essential part of living in light of Christ's imminent return.
Dear friends, the signs of the times confirm that the Lord is at the very doors. Our understanding of prophecy is not meant to fill us with fear, but with a living hope and a renewed purpose. Let us therefore respond to God's loving call to prepare for Christ's return by living lives of watchfulness, holiness, and active service, eagerly awaiting that blessed day when He will come to take us home.