How can we prepare for the "long time" before Christ's return, as in Matthew 25:19? Awaiting the Master’s Return – Matthew 25:19 “After a long time the master of those servants returned and settled accounts with them.” Why the Delay Matters • Christ will come again just as literally as He ascended (Acts 1:11), yet Scripture warns that His arrival may feel delayed from our vantage point (2 Peter 3:8-9). • The “long time” is purposeful: it exposes hearts, grants room for repentance, and provides opportunity to multiply what He has entrusted. Guarding the Heart During a Lengthy Wait • Patience rooted in faith – “Be patient…and strengthen your hearts, because the Lord’s coming is near.” (James 5:7-8) • Holiness in daily life – “Since everything will be destroyed, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives.” (2 Peter 3:11) • Sobriety and alertness – “So then, let us not sleep as the others do, but let us remain awake and sober.” (1 Thessalonians 5:6) Investing the Master’s Resources The servants in Matthew 25:14-30 were judged according to how they used what was entrusted. Our preparation involves active stewardship: • Time – “Make the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.” (Ephesians 5:16) • Gifts – “Each of you should use whatever gift he has received to serve one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.” (1 Peter 4:10) • Treasure – “Honor the LORD with your wealth.” (Proverbs 3:9) • Truth – “Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season.” (2 Timothy 4:2) Endurance Practices for Daily Life • Regular Scripture intake (Psalm 119:105) • Consistent fellowship (Hebrews 10:24-25) • Habitual good works – “Let us not grow weary in well-doing, for in due time we will reap, if we do not give up.” (Galatians 6:9) • Grateful worship and praise (Hebrews 13:15) Living in Expectation, Not Anxiety • Hope – “We await the blessed hope and glorious appearance of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ.” (Titus 2:13) • Confidence – “Your labor in the Lord is not in vain.” (1 Corinthians 15:58) • Readiness – “It is like a man going on a journey…each with his assigned task…Therefore keep watch.” (Mark 13:34-37) Assured of the Coming Reward • Faithful servants hear, “Well done, good and faithful servant…Enter into the joy of your master.” (Matthew 25:21) • The judgment seat of Christ will openly affirm every act done for His name (2 Corinthians 5:10). Putting It All Together Prepare for the “long time” by cultivating patient holiness, actively investing every resource for the kingdom, persevering in good works, and keeping your eyes fixed on the certain, glorious return of the Master who will settle accounts and share His joy forever. |
    |