As we enter a new year, we are reminded of how quickly time passes. The days seem to grow darker, and the signs of the times point more clearly to the imminent return of Christ. Though we do not know the exact day or hour of His coming, Jesus made it clear that we must live with urgency and purpose, sharing the Gospel message with those who are lost. Matthew 24:36 says, “But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.”
While we do not have the privilege of knowing the specific time of Christ’s return, we are given a clear charge: to be ready, to be watchful, and to be faithful in the work He has given us. The parables that follow in Matthew 25 emphasize this point, reminding us that vigilance and readiness are essential.
Jesus told the parable of the ten virgins (Matthew 25:1-13) to illustrate the importance of being spiritually prepared. The five wise virgins brought oil for their lamps, while the five foolish ones did not. When the bridegroom arrived, the foolish virgins were unprepared and missed the wedding banquet.
This parable is a sobering reminder to us as believers. We must keep our lamps burning with the oil of faith, the Word of God, and the power of the Holy Spirit. We must remain spiritually vigilant and not grow complacent in our faith.
The Apostle Paul reminds us in Romans 13:11-12: “And do this, understanding the present time: The hour has already come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light.”
This call to wake up should stir our hearts with a sense of urgency. The time to share the hope of salvation is now. We do not know how much time we have left, but we do know that every day brings us closer to the return of our Lord.
The parable of the talents (Matthew 25:14-30) emphasizes the importance of being faithful stewards of what God has entrusted to us. Each servant was given a different amount of money to manage while the master was away. Two servants used their resources wisely and multiplied what they had been given, but the third servant buried his talent out of fear and laziness.
This parable challenges us to ask: Are we using our time, resources, and opportunities to further God’s Kingdom? Or are we holding back out of fear or apathy?
Jesus’ words in John 9:4 remind us of the urgency of the task before us: “As long as it is day, we must do the works of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work.”
We live in a world that is increasingly hostile to the truth of the Gospel. But the hostility of the world should not deter us. Instead, it should ignite in us a greater passion to proclaim the Good News. In 2 Timothy 4:2, Paul instructs Timothy, “Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction.”
Jesus’ warning in Matthew 24:42 is clear: “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come.”
Keeping watch doesn’t mean standing still or gazing at the sky. It means living a life that is actively engaged in the work of the Lord. It means sharing the Gospel with those who are lost, discipling others, and encouraging fellow believers to remain faithful. We are to watch and pray, standing firm against the schemes of the enemy and holding fast to the hope we have in Christ.
In 1 Thessalonians 5:4-6, Paul writes: “But you, brothers and sisters, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief. You are all children of the light and children of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness. So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be awake and sober.”
The call to be “awake and sober” is a reminder that we must remain spiritually alert. It is easy to be lulled into complacency by the busyness of life or the distractions of the world. But Jesus’ return will come suddenly, and we must be ready.
Abide in God’s Word — Psalm 119:105 says, “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.” We must be grounded in Scripture to navigate these uncertain times and be prepared to share the truth with others.
Pray Continually — In 1 Thessalonians 5:17, Paul instructs us to “pray without ceasing.” Prayer keeps us connected to God’s will and strengthens us for the spiritual battle we face.
Proclaim the Gospel — Jesus commanded His disciples in Matthew 28:19-20 to “go and make disciples of all nations.” This Great Commission is still our mission today.
Encourage One Another — Hebrews 10:24-25 urges us to “consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”
As we look around at the world today, it is clear that the return of Christ is closer than ever before. The signs of the times are unfolding before our eyes, and we must respond with urgency.
Let us not grow weary in doing good. Let us keep watch and stay ready, living with an eternal perspective and a heart for the lost. In the words of Galatians 6:9, “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”
The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few (Matthew 9:37). Will you answer the call? Will you be vigilant, faithful, and ready for the Lord’s return? Let us live each day with the urgency of the Gospel on our hearts, sharing the hope of salvation with a world that desperately needs it.
May we be found ready when the Bridegroom comes. Maranatha—Come, Lord Jesus!