October 28th~Faithful and Fruitful

Mark 13:32-37

Matthew 24:36-51

Luke 21:34-38

Matthew 25:1-46

Jesus continued His discussion of the end times, particularly in regards to His second coming. “No one knows the day or hour when these things will happen, not even the angels in heaven or the Son Himself. Only the Father knows; and, since you don’t know when they will happen, stay alert and keep watch” (Mark 13:32, 33).

Stay alert and keep watch! “Don’t let Him find you sleeping when He arrives without warning” (v.36). “You must be ready all of the time, for the Son of Man will come when least expected” (Matthew 24:44). “Don’t let the day catch you unaware” (Luke 21:34). “Stay awake and be prepared, because you don’t know the day or the hour of My return” (Matthew 25:13). Repeated several times here is the idea that we are to be ready for Jesus to return. The obvious question, then, is what exactly does it mean to be ready, stay awake, be alert, or be prepared?

Jesus gave the answer to this question in the story of the ten bridesmaids. Five of the bridesmaids had enough oil to sustain their lamps all through the night, while the other five bridesmaids did not have enough oil to wait. The oil here is faith. Those who exhibit genuine saving faith (which is a gift of God) will remain faithful to the end. While those who say that they have faith but who really do not will fall away and abandon their “wait” for the Lord.

Is there another way to tell the difference between those who have or don’t have genuine saving faith? Again, Jesus gives us the answer with His second story of the three servants. Two of the servants took what was given to them and made good use of it; when the Master returned, they were rewarded. They were rewarded for being faithful servants, but the evidence of their faith was fruitfulness.

The third servant had the same “financial” opportunity as the other two but did nothing with it; rather he hid his talents in the ground. Thus, he bore no fruit, which was evidence that he had no faith. “From those who are unfaithful,” Jesus said, “even what they have will be taken away” (Matthew 25:29).

Lastly, Jesus shared the reality of a final judgment, a time when He will separate “the sheep and the goats,” meaning those who accepted Him and those who rejected Him (25:31-46). To those who rejected Him, He will say, “Away with you, you cursed ones, into the eternal fire pre- pared for the Devil and his demons.” Here is the reality of not only the final judgment but of hell, a place of eternal punishment for sin. However, to those who were faithful and righteous (because of Christ), they will inherit eternal life.

Daily Reflection

Faithful followers of Christ are fruitful followers of Christ. Salvation is not an effect of your good works but good works are effects of your salvation. How would you evaluate your faithfulness and fruitfulness?

What exactly are “good works”? Who gets to decide what is good — you or the Lord? Obviously, He does. How can you discern what is a good work by God’s standards?

BiAY.org | Day 301 — 64 Days to Go