Matthew 24:36-42
“But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. For in the days before the flood, people were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, up to the day Noah entered the ark; and they knew nothing about what would happen until the flood came and took them all away. That is how it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. Two men will be in the field; one will be taken and the other left. Two women will be grinding with a hand mill; one will be taken and the other left. “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come."
I remember when I was a young man in church hearing preachers preaching the message of Jesus’ return. Many with such conviction that I would wonder if my life was in the right condition to meet Him. It seems the majority of messages preached today are more focused on the here and now and methods to enhance our earthly condition, rather than focusing on our spiritual condition and our eternal destiny. You almost never hear a message preached from the pulpit about Christ coming in His glory to judge the world, or a message drawing people to repentance from their sins. I was discussing this fact with a young preacher the other day and he responded, “no one wants to hear that anymore”.
Being a pastor isn't a popularity contest.
Being a pastor or shepherd over God’s people isn’t a popularity contest. We will give an account one day for how we guarded our flock. The way most people excuse this is to say they are trying to reach the lost and they don’t want them to feel judged. The truth is, we are responsible for preaching the Word not editing it because we think it might turn someone off. The fact is the preacher of the truth, the prophet of God, and the true evangelist are rarely received by the masses. The truth is Jesus is coming, and He will come like a thief in the night. We must prepare our hearts and be ready for His coming.
For Pastors, this means shepherd your flock with the understanding that the wolf is at the door, the enemy of our souls is roaming to and fro like a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour.
For Evangelists, this means preaching the full gospel of God seeking to make disciples who surrender their lives, rather than offering the blessing of God on their own terms without repentance or surrender.
One day, just like in Noah’s time, the door will be shut and it will be too late. Repent, for the day of the Lord is drawing near and all will give an account of their life before the Lord. Everything found outside of Christ will be subject to judgment.
In Christ,
Pastor Joshua
Amen! I needed this reminder today 🙌