Scripture: Matthew 24:37-44

 

37 As the days of Noah were, so will the coming of the Son of Man be.38 For as in those days which were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered into the ship,39 and they didn’t know until the flood came and took them all away, so will the coming of the Son of Man be.40 Then two men will be in the field: one will be taken and one will be left. 41 Two women will be grinding at the mill: one will be taken and one will be left. 42 Watch therefore, for you don’t know in what hour your Lord comes. 43 But know this, that if the master of the house had known in what watch of the night the thief was coming, he would have watched, and would not have allowed his house to be broken into. 44 Therefore also be ready, for in an hour that you don’t expect, the Son of Man will come.45 “Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom his lord has set over his household, to give them their food in due season? 46 Blessed is that servant whom his lord finds doing so when he comes. (24:37-44).

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The story of Noah's days reminded Jesus’ disciples that the exact timetable of last things is hidden. Though God told Noah he needed to build an ark and that a flood would destroy the land and all those who refused to find safety in the ark, even Noah did not know the specific calendar date it would begin. “So will the coming of the Son of Man be.” In other words, the details of the answer to their initial questions would not be given. 

Surprisingly, Jesus admitted that he himself did not know that detail of the Father’s plan!

“But concerning that day or that hour, no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. (Mark 13:32)

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Some have been troubled by Jesus’ statement. Some use it to prove that Jesus is not equal with God! While an examination of Jesus’ divine knowledge is not part of this study, we should at least assure ourselves that in leaving heaven to become a man, he voluntarily laid aside the independent use of his divine attributes so that he could “in all points be tested we are yet without sin” (Hebrews 4:15).

 

But more relevant to this study, we can also see Jesus’ admission as an important caution for us today about our eschatological studies and systems. 

 

His admission was a sharp warning for us about too much speculation and date setting. Jesus knew very well how curiosity works in the human mind. He knew that the disciples in all ages would not only wonder about these things but try to fill in the blanks with their own speculation. Ignorant speculations about the end times, either our own or false teachers, may seem to offer insight right now but end up leaving us in confusion and more doubt. 

So, what should we do instead? It is most fitting that in our fifth lesson we discuss the importance of watchful waiting.  Instead of datesetting and chartmaking, we are much better off to use the three signs of the times–gospel, opposition and judgment–as reminders to be watchful of the signs and waiting patiently and hopefully for God to finish the work he has begun. He first describes the watchful waiting posture as a homeowner diligently protecting his house from thieves in the night: 

 

But know this, that if the master of the house had known in what watch of the night the thief was coming, he would have watched, and would not have allowed his house to be broken into. 

 

 Though we might think Jesus’ message is so obvious it adds little new information to how we view the uncertainties of the future, in fact, he gave the disciples something very different to do while they waited for the extraordinary events to unfold. 

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Ancient Homes and the Limits of Self-Protection

 

Today, we build our homes with multiple layers of protection designed to keep us safe in the night. We have roofs that are designed to shield us from all kinds of storms. We insulate the walls to keep us warmer and cooler in the extremes of our weather. We put locks on our doors and windows and even install burglar alarms and motion sensors! Jesus’ warning about “thieves in the night” is understandable in some ways but not in its ancient context.

 

Most of the protections we have designed into our homes were not known. Therefore, the best hope for a homeowner was to stay awake–or at least to sleep so lightly he would immediately know if there was an intruder. 

This bit of “hyperbole” can help us appreciate our posture as we wait for the unfolding of God’s prophetic plan. We must not go to sleep. Obviously, Jesus meant this metaphorically not literally. Our bodies need sleep to survive. So the warning about sleeping instead of alert watching was to be understood spiritually. It is similar to what Peter would later say: 

 

8 Be sober and self-controlled.  Be watchful. Your adversary, the devil, walks around like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. 9 Withstand him steadfast in your faith, knowing that your brothers who are in the world are undergoing the same sufferings. (1 Peter 5:8,9). 

 

As we discussed in Lesson Three, the sign of opposition is our warning about the invisible battle in the unseen realm that will characterize the last days. However, it isn’t just some vague awareness that will guard us in the battle: it’s what Peter called, sober-minded watchfulness. Like a soldier standing at his post in the night, his head must be on a swivel, his eyes continually scanning the surroundings, watching and waiting for the enemy. 

 

While We Watch and Wait

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We must remain vigilant and alert in these days. However, it is important to distinguish what Jesus meant by it to our human tendency, especially when the threat level is so high our predictive intelligence begins creating its own perceptions of reality. Jesus warned against datesetting and chartmaking as we try to figure out when the events would occur. Perhaps this is why he described his coming at the end of the age as a thief in the night. It was as if Jesus was saying, “don’t try to figure out when these things will occur. Even I don’t know. Rather, keep your eyes on the duties I have given you while you wait. 

 

Reflection and Application

 

Soldiers are not only commanded to be watchful. They are also trained how to stay alert. Generally, that means specific disciplines and tasks through the watch to keep them alert. 

 

The command to watchful waiting for God’s people in all ages has remained the same. It can be found in the Old Testament as well, summarized by the words of Moses to israel: “Hear O Israel, the LORD our God, the Lord is one. And you shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength” (Deuteronomy 6:4,5). Here is how we can apply God’s command to love him completely with our priorities during the end times: 

 

Loving God With all Our Heart: The Desires of Watchful Waiting

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While we watch and wait our heart desires must be devoted to God’s purpose more than our own. Practically, we do this through prayer and worship. It is no coincidence that Paul linked his warning about anxiety to prayer and supplication with thanksgiving (Philippians 4:6,7). 

 

Question: What do your routine prayer requests say about the greatest desires of your heart? If you have a “prayer list” are most of the entries for your own needs or the needs of others? 

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Loving God With all Our Soul: The Mind of Watchful Waiting

 

We are admonished to “take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ” (2 Corinthians 10:5) and instead of our minds being “conformed to this world” they should be “transformed by the renewing of the mind” (Romans 12:1,2). Practically, this requires a daily engagement with the word of God.

 

 Question: As demonstrated by your daily routine over the last year, how important is God’s word to you? Do you have an intentional Bible reading and meditation plan you follow? 

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Loving God With all Our Strength: The Actions of Watchful Waiting

 

“Strength” in the Bible is a shorthand for all that we do: all our decisions and actions in life. Watchful waiting requires a priority of using our strength primarily for God’s purposes more than our own. 

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Question: Explain how the familiar proverb can become a “decision-making” guidebook for the way you use your “strength” in daily life: Trust in Yahweh with all your heart and don’t lean on your own understanding. 6  In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight (Proverbs 3:5,6)