Living In The Light

December 21, Be Ye Also Ready

Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.”
—Matthew 24:44 LL 373.1

Those who realize, even in a limited degree, what redemption means to them and to their fellow men and women, will walk by faith and will comprehend in some measure the vast needs of humanity. Their hearts will be moved to compassion as they see the widespread destitution in our world—the destitution of the multitudes who are suffering for food and clothing, and the moral destitution of thousands who are under the shadow of a terrible doom, in comparison with which physical suffering fades into nothingness. LL 373.2

Let church members bear in mind that the fact that their names are registered on the church books will not save them. They must show themselves approved of God, workmen that need not be ashamed. Day by day they are to build their characters in accordance with Christ’s directions. They are to abide in Him, constantly exercising faith in Him. Thus they will grow up to the full stature of men and women in Christ—wholesome, cheerful, grateful Christians, led by God into clearer and still clearer light. If this is not their experience, they will be among those whose voices will one day be raised in the bitter lamentation: “The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and my soul is not saved! Why did I not flee to the Stronghold for refuge? . . .” LL 373.3

“The great day of the Lord is near, it is near, and hasteth greatly” (Zephaniah 1:14). Let us be shod with the gospel shoes, ready to march at a moment’s notice. Every hour, every minute, is precious. We have no time to spend in self-gratification. All around us there are souls perishing in sin. Every day there is something to do for our Lord and Master. Every day we are to point souls to the Lamb of God, who taketh away the sin of the world. LL 373.4

“Be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of Man cometh” (Matthew 24:44). Go to your rest at night with every sin confessed. Thus we did when in 1844 we expected to meet our Lord. And now this great event is nearer than when we first believed. Be ye always ready, in the evening, in the morning, and at noon.— Testimonies for the Church, vol. 9, pp. 47, 48. LL 373.5

Further Reflection: : How does daily communion with God keep you ready for Christ’s return? LL 373.6