February 3, 2014 – Matthew 24 – The Day and the Hour Unknown

Below are my thoughts from the daily Bible reading of the West Side Church of Christ. Before reading I invite you to pray and asked God to speak to you as you read his word. Also above in the tabs is a link to the Bible reading plan.

What Does this Passage Say?

• Jesus is at the Temple and He knows about its coming destruction. In AD 70 the Roman armies went into Jerusalem and destroy the Temple. Our reading is Jesus prediction of this historic event. This comment gets the disciples to think. They heard Jesus and figured that the destruction of the Temple would coincide with Jesus coming kingdom, so they ask.

• Jesus explanation raises more questions than it really answers, at least for us. Is Jesus talking about future end of the world events? Some would say yes. Is Jesus talking about the destruction of Jerusalem under the Romans only? Others would say yes. Is Jesus talking about end of the world events and the destruction of Jerusalem in the same response? Still others would say yes.

• Here is what I can tell you … Jesus predicted the destruction of the Temple and it happened. We know that the days that surrounded its destruction where horrible days for the ethnic Jews living in Judaea. We also know that Christians faced immense amounts of persecution during the reign of Roman Emperor Nero in the 60’s. We also know that Jesus Kingdom is here. It is not something we are waiting for and anticipating. We who belong to Jesus are living in the kingdom, a kingdom that was released on the Day of Pentecost. We also know that there will be a day when Jesus returns to call home those who have believed and called Him Lord.

• To answer the questions I think we are safe to say some of these events that Jesus speaks of have happened, some are continuing to happen, and some will happen. 

What is this passage teaching?

• The underlying principle of our reading today is to be ready. In the 1984 edition of the NIV the editors topical notes titles verses 36-51 “The Day and the Hour Unknown.” This is a very appropriate section title. We do not know when our final day on earth is going to be, regardless if it is by our death or it is by Jesus return. We must be ready. For some it is calling Jesus Lord. For others it is walking with Him each and every day. We do not know when the day will come, but Jesus charges us to be like the servant, busy at work, anticipating His return. 

How can I apply this passage to my life?

• Are you ready for Jesus to return? Do you have any unfinished business? Would Jesus be proud of you for the task you are involved with when He returns? Fortunately His return has not happened. You have time to get busy.  So get busy, serve Him, walk with Him, and share the love Jesus with all you encounter. 

September 26 – Nehemiah 1-5

Below are my thoughts from the daily Bible reading of the West Side Church of Christ. Today’s reading comes from Nehemiah 1-5. Before reading I invite you to pray and asked God to speak to you as you read his word. Also above in the tabs is a link to the Bible reading plan.

Photo Credit: Microsoft Clip Art

Last night I shared with one of my elders that I was going to be out of town next Thursday afternoon and Friday morning so my brother and I could attend a football game. While I am gone our Sr. Minister will be on a cruise ship on vacation. Friday morning there is a surgery and I asked the elder if he would go to the hospital and have prayer with the man before. He said he would and I confessed to him that I felt guilty asking him to do this because I am going to be out of town for a football game. He looked at me and said, not a problem we are a team, we are here to do this together. I love this man and the other men I am serving with.

Today in our reading we saw the ultimate example of team work. It took a team of people each working on their individual tasks to be able to rebuild the walls. When they were faced with outside pressures, it took even more team effort to protect and build at the same time. Our reading ended reminding us that not only do we need to draw together on the task at hand, but we also have to look out for the best interest of others on our team. Nehemiah was righteously angry that his fellow countryman were charging interest and claiming property of their needy brothers. That was wrong, and fortunately they repented of their sin and misdeeds.

To achieve anything in life, especially in the church, we have to be working together as a team. If not, we will not be successful. I am thankful for the reminder I was given last night that I am working on a team. I love my team. What about you?