BE YE READY

WORD OF WISDOM
Coming of Christ: (1) with reference to his first advent "in the fulness of the time" (1 John 5:20; 2 John 1:7), or (2) with reference to his coming again the second time at the last day (Acts 1:11; 3:20, 21; 1 Thessalonians 4:15; 2 Timothy 4:1; Hebrews 9:28).
The expression is used metaphorically of the introduction of the gospel into any place (John 15:22; Ephesians 2:17), the visible establishment of his kingdom in the world (Matthew 16:28), the conferring on his people of the peculiar tokens of his love (John 14:18, 23, 28), and his executing judgment on the wicked (2 Thessalonians 2:8).

Source: Easton's Bible Dictionary

Revelation 16:15 Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed is he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame.

Christ coming again will be sudden and unexpected, and therefore Christians should be clothed, armed, and ready for it, that they might not be surprised and ashamed. When God's cause comes to be tried, and His battles to be fought, all His people shall be ready to stand up for His interest and be faithful and valiant in His service

Happy is he that watcheth. - Looking continually for Him that cometh quickly. And keepeth on his garments - Which men take off when they sleep. Lest he walk naked, and they see his shame - Lest he lose the graces which he takes no care to keep, and others see his sin and punishment.

He here gives the charge to be watching for His coming and clothed in the garments of justification and sanctification, so as to be accepted.

Christ, by His apostle, calls on His professed servants to expect His sudden coming, and to watch that they might not be put to shame, as apostates or hypocrites. However Christians differ, as to their views of the times and seasons of events yet to be brought to pass, on this one point all are agreed, Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, will suddenly come again to judge the world.

To those living near to Christ, it is an object of joyful hope and expectation, and delay is not desired by them.

How close to being ready are we for His sudden appearance?

God's Blessing to each of you,
LJG/rECj