We are to look for the signs of the end times. Some of these signs are frightening: natural disasters, social melt down, loss of what we know as good... but no one knows "not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father" knows when that is!
The passages tells us what a "faithful servant" might be doing when the master returns. Or what might happen to a wicked one and how he will be dealt with: "He will cut him to pieces and assign him a place with the hypocrites, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth." And for all eternity!
I have always found these images so graphic... it takes my breath away. I remember my mother comforting me because she found me crying in my sleep, having nightmares after hearing these same verses. It was a long time ago... but it still scares me.
The Bible says that we are the bride of Christ. The image that comforts me and gives me hope for the end times is the one of the bride looking out for her groom to arrive... oil lamp in hand, walking out to the road, in the dark to meet Him... in anticipation of being in His sweet embrace!
Come Lord quickly, come...
3 comments:
thanks for your reflection helen. this passage reminds us of the two possible responses among believers or so-called believers to the thought of Jesus's coming--joyful anticipation and longing or fearful dread and terror. our immediate response to the inevitability of Jesus's coming is, i think, a very accurate gage of where we stand in our faith. the faithful servant waits day by day; the wicked servant neglects his duty in the mistaken belief that the day will never come.
Thank you, Helen.
Helen,
Thank you for your reflection! We should be always prepared for the time that Jesus will come
Post a Comment