Living Our Lives in the Light of Jesus’ Second Coming: 5 Day Bible Plan With William Porter 预览

Day Three: Live Wisely

In the same block of teaching on the end times we looked at yesterday, Jesus moves from encouraging watchfulness to calling for wise living. These things are of course entwined; if you are spiritually alert to the times and challenges around you, you will also want to live wisely in your walk as a Christian. Wisdom in Scripture is so often not about head knowledge or IQ but about knowing how to faithfully follow God and honour him. This works a number of ways in our lives as the Bible readings suggest. Those in responsibility in the life of the church or kingdom ministry must live always as wise stewards of God's household, not abusing their power, but ready to welcome the Lord on his return (Matthew 24:50). Every Christian must also use their own gifts wisely – namely the talents, calling and opportunities to serve Jesus in their life of work and relationships (Matthew 25:14–15). As we don't know the day of our death, nor the day of Jesus' return, we live with an awareness that we will give an account of our life before him, on that day when everything about us will come to light (2 Corinthians 5:9–10). And as St Paul says, we each have a choice of wise or unwise living in our generation. Although many live short-sightedly, eyes fixed on personal gratification, the Christian has a longer view, choosing the privilege of serving the Lord in difficult, even evil, days.

We have just been watching the Tokyo Olympic games. Strange though it is with all the pandemic restrictions and lack of crowds, the motivation and passion of the athletes is awe-inspiring. They all have one goal – to prepare in obscurity over long years, to bring a peak performance and be the best they can be on the day of their competition on an international stage. Many have sacrificed careers, overcome injury, even raised funds to travel and compete, everyone with their eyes on the Olympic prize. 

Christians too, have their eyes on a prize – to hear the words of Jesus, 'Well done, good and faithful servant!' That motivates our daily choices and inspires our wise living and godly service. In the closing end time years, gospel witness and Holy Spirit revival will increase, even as worldwide troubles and darkness also increase. Those days call for people of faith who choose to live wisely, influencing their world for the kingdom, and are ready at any time to welcome Jesus as he returns.

Reflect: Have I been living as an unwise or as a wise person in recent years? Is there anything I would want to do differently with the talents and opportunities God is giving me right now? How would I hope to serve Jesus and make a kingdom difference if end time events drew nearer?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank you that finding faith in you has changed my perspective on my life and the world around me. Please help me to live always with my eyes on the prize. Let me serve you faithfully and use my gifts and opportunities to receive your heavenly reward and your 'well done' affirmation on my life, either when I see you in heaven, or when you return to earth in glory. In your name I pray. Amen.