GREAT EXPECTATIONS

 

Daniel 12:1-3; Hebrews 10:11-25; Mark 13:1-8

Introduction

Beloved in Christ, readiness is about the willingness and preparedness for something. As we reflect on the Lord’s coming, we are reminded that our faith is not only about our lives here on earth but also about our preparedness for eternity. The Scriptures call us to vigilance, hope, and a life of holiness as we anticipate Christ's return - 'the escatos'. The urgency of being ready and living in anticipation of the day when the Lord will come in glory is today's focus.

End Time Distress and Deliverance

In Daniel, we read about a time of trouble unlike any other since time began—a time when the archangel Michael will arise to protect and deliver God’s people, "everyone whose name is found written in the book —will be delivered." (Daniel 12:1). Daniel’s prophecy points to a future day of both judgment and deliverance. He reminds us that "many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake: some to everlasting life [and] others to shame and everlasting contempt." This imagery underscores a critical truth: the decisions we make in this life have eternal consequences. We do not end in the grave after death comes with everlasting consequences.

Our readiness as believers is about our consciousness of Christ's coming. We must live each day in the light of eternity. Are we building our lives on the firm foundation of faith in Christ, or are we distracted by the fleeting promises of this world? The call to readiness reminds us that our eternal destination is secured by our relationship with Jesus, who grants us deliverance through His sacrifice.

When the Christian is wise and ready for Christ's coming, the prophet says, "Those who are wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars for ever and ever." (Daniel 12:3). Let us be ready, for we shall shine like stars eternally.

The Perfect Sacrifice and the Assurance of Faith

In Hebrews, we are reminded of the perfect sufficiency of Jesus’ sacrifice "We have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus." Unlike the priests who had to repeatedly offer sacrifices, Jesus offered Himself once and for all. Because of His sacrifice, we have full assurance of faith and confidence to approach God.

Hebrews 10:23 encourages us saying, "Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; for He is faithful that promised." Being ready for Christ's coming is about your full assurance of salvation and that He is faithful to make the righteous shine like stars.

Hebrews also calls us to encourage one another and "not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another —and all the more as you see the Day approaching." (Hebrews 10:25). The early church faced persecution and hardship, yet they held onto their hope in Christ’s return, supporting each other in a community of love.

Today, it is easy to lose sight of God’s promises. In the midst of our challenges, doubts, and trials, we are encouraged to remain steadfast, trusting in the perfect work of Christ. As a community of believers, let us be intentional about encouraging one another, holding each other accountable, and worshipping together as we await Christ’s return. (you can read further on, Carry others along - https://www.osofoahenkan.com/2022/09/520-61-10-introduction-i-have-witnessed.html)

Signs of the End and the Call to Watchfulness

In the Gospel of Mark, Jesus speaks of signs that will precede the end times—wars, earthquakes, and famines. He warns that these are just the "beginning of sorrows." Jesus’ words emphasize the need for spiritual alertness. He cautions that while these signs will occur, we must not let fear or distractions deter us from our faith and our commitment to God.

Daniel prophesied about "a time of distress such as has not happened from the beginning of nations until then" and now Jesus says, these signs of distress are just "the beginning of birth pains." That is why He instructs us to be discerning and watchful. He knows that in times of turmoil, it is easy to be led astray or to fall into despair. His call to watchfulness is a call to spiritual vigilance so that we are not caught unprepared.

As we observe world events and the uncertainties around us, we might be tempted to worry or lose hope. Yet Jesus reminds us that these events are reminders of the urgency of our mission—to live faithfully, share the Gospel, and to keep our eyes on Him. Let us resist complacency and hypocrisy while we embrace a heart that is watchful, seeking daily to grow closer to God in readiness.

Living in Readiness for the Lord's Coming

How then, do we live in readiness for the Lord’s coming? Let me share with you some pragmatic points to guide us in readiness for the Lord's coming. 

1. Cultivate a Life of Holiness: Readiness for Christ's return begins with a personal commitment to holiness. We are called to turn away from sin and to pursue righteousness, honoring God in our thoughts, words, and deeds.

2. Grow in Faith and Carry Others Along: We are encouraged to "provoke one another unto love and to good works" (Hebrews 10:24). By encouraging each other in faith, we build a strong, supportive community that helps each of us to stay grounded in readiness of Christ's return.

3. Stay Watchful and Pray: Jesus’ words in Mark 13 remind us to remain spiritually vigilant. Let us not be lulled by deception to be complacent by the world’s comforts or grow in despair by its troubles. Through a daily walk with God in prayer and devotion, we stay alert and focused.

4. Share the Good News: Knowing the truth and making the truth known is our charge as people of God. As we await His coming, we have a responsibility to share the message of salvation with others. God desires that all would come to repentance, and we are His ambassadors of this life-changing message.

Conclusion

Beloved, the Lord's coming is a certainty, and we are called to live each day with a sense of anticipation, expectation, and readiness. Daniel reminds us of the promise of deliverance and glorification, Hebrews assures us of Christ’s complete sacrifice cleansing us from guilty conscience, and Mark calls us to vigilance amidst the signs around us. May we live with faith, hope, and love, staying ready for the day when Christ will return in glory.

Let us commit ourselves to a life that reflects this readiness, so that when the Lord comes, He will find us faithful. Amen.

Shalom aleikhem...