Soap - Ready When You are Jesus

S: "Now learn the parable from the fig tree: when it's branch has already become tender and puts forth it's leaves, you know that summer is near; so you too, when you see all these things, recognize that He is near, right at the door. Truly I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things take place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will not pass away..."

Matthew 24:32-35

O: This is what Jesus says after He talked about a "great tribulation" and he talked of people who will come as false Christs and false prophets. He also spoke of His return to the world and how He will send His angels and gather His elect (His people who have persevered-But the one who endures to the end, he will be saved. Matthew 24:13).

Simply put, when we see all of these things, in comparison to the fig tree coming into it's season of fruitfulness, it's the same as knowing that God is near-that Christ is on His way of returning and that we are well on our way of being with Him. I guess the real significance of knowing when Christ is near would be the actual events happening-but looking towards the end of such terrible things is the means of getting through it.

Which generation is He referring to? The world in general? Because I know that the Rapture hasn't yet occurred (obviously), but looking at the word pass-maybe it means that this generation won't ever die out completely until all of the tribulation and return of Christ has all happened? As the last sentence of this chunk refers to Heaven and earth passing away (Heaven will pass away?) it sounds as if they would be done away with (a new earth and new bodies for the elect, might be what it means? As the people on earth will definitely be dwindled down to those whom God choice for Himself)...

The very end is my favorite, however-and I believe this to be a promise God makes: "Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will not pass away." Christ's words will never fade. I believe just reading them today is a testimony as to how His words have never failed and they are as relevant (if not more) today as much as the day they were written.

A: Looking that being with Christ is the end of such things is the means of perseverence-I believe that the tribulation will occur before the Rapture and the church will be purged of all of what it lacks and only the faithful will remain. So what shall I do? I will be a vigilant watctmen (Isaiah 62:6) just like Christ tells us to be in the next part of this chapter (Therefore be on the alert, for you do not know which day your Lord is coming. Matthew 24:42) - Everyday is the Lord's and we need to always be ready day and night. For by looking heavenward (or, I should say Christ-ward, lol), we truly live in a fashion that which glorifies God. Everyday is the Lord's!

P: Father, You are a wonderful provider. Today I have seen evidence of Your love in little disciples and I have heard and took in Your Word on women in the church-How beautiful You have made today. You have made it so, in the way that You may receive the most glory and indeed it is all Yours!

Today, I put off my time to really get into the Word-I'm sorry that I chose to eat and hang out with others when hanging with You is exactly what I needed to get through yet another day with blessings and guidance, aplenty. I will set my priorities upon prayer and a diligent heart towards Christ.

Thank You for the opportunity to pray for a great sister and also showing me that when things are going awry for so many-all I can do is ask You to take hold, Father and make it all right. I also thank You for just how great today was, honestly-Despite all the hardships others faced, I am glad that I could even be present to ask for Your comfort and love to be present upon people I love and care about.

Father, I ask for a diligent heart. One heart so diligently focused upon being with Christ, and in doing so-preparing for His glorious return, ready to present myself as a living sacrifice, sanctified by His hand. I want to be ready for Your coming, so prepare me Father for Your Son!

In Christ, amen.

Soli Deo Gloria