Living In The Light

December 22, A State Of Expectancy

“Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away. But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, but My Father only.”
—Matthew 24:35, 36 LL 374.1

The secret things which belong to God are to be left with Him; but the things which He has revealed are for us and for our children. We are not now back in Paul’s time. We are nearing the great day of God. The signs are fulfilling. And yet we have no message to tell us of the day and hour of Christ’s appearing. LL 374.2

The Lord has wisely concealed this from us, that we may always be in a state of expectancy and preparation for the second appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ in the clouds of heaven. We are to search the prophecies that point to the roll of fast fulfilling events, and which Christ has plainly told us will take place prior to the end of this earth’s history. We are to watch and pray, wait patiently, and work faithfully to save perishing souls. Time is a most precious talent, and every moment is to be improved in doing our work wisely and well, so that if we are suddenly called to lay off the armor, we may be prepared to give up our account to God. LL 374.3

. . . The day and hour of Christ’s coming is pronounced by lips that speak the truth and the truth only, to be beyond the ken of human beings. Even the angels, the heavenly intelligences, are not informed of this. “But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but My Father only” (verse 36). LL 374.4

Satan is watching his chance to destroy those souls who have not developed such characters as will fit them to rise in the first resurrection and be numbered with the redeemed, with those who have appreciated the great privilege of washing their robes and making them white in the blood of the Lamb. LL 374.5

The emotional nature of some is easily affected. Christ would have everyone educate themselves to calmly contemplate His second appearing. They are to search the Word of God daily, but not neglecting present duties.—Letter 28, 1897. LL 374.6

Further Reflection: : Ellen White encourages those preparing for the coming ofJesus to study the prophecies of Scripture. How can one study end-time prophecies without missing Jesus, the object of all prophecy? LL 374.7