For What Are You Watching?
It is clear from the myriad of references in the Word of God, that it is of most importance for one to “watch”. However, it is equally important that we watch for the proper things and at the proper time. There are some employees who tend to be guilty of “watching the clock”. Unfortunately, so are some church members. Ephesians 6:5-8, written in regard to servants, also applies employees, as well as “servants” of Christ, should put a stop to this habit of “clock watching”. Servants, be obedient to them that are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ; 6 Not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart; 7 With good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men: 8 Knowing that whatsoever good thing any man doeth, the same shall he receive of the Lord, whether he be bond or free.
The Jews of the Old Testament had long awaited the promised Messiah. In John 1:40-42, (while still under the Law of Moses), Andrew heard the proclamation of John the baptizer, then followed Jesus and went with Him to His dwelling place. Upon hearing the Lord speak, first went to find Peter his brother. Oh, what joy to receive that for which one has been watching. One of the two which heard John speak, and followed him, was Andrew, Simon Peter's brother. 41 He first findeth his own brother Simon, and saith unto him, We have found the Messias, which is, being interpreted, the Christ. 42 And he brought him to Jesus. And when Jesus beheld him, he said, Thou art Simon the son of Jona: thou shalt be called Cephas, which is by interpretation, A stone. One irrefutable proof that the Messiah which had been promised, had indeed arrived was that He knew Peter, never having been introduced. These Jews had been watching for the Messiah and were richly rewarded when the promise of God to them was fulfilled.
The purpose of the promise which was to be fulfilled when Christ came was prophesied in Isaiah 2:2. And it shall come to pass in the last days, that the mountain of the LORD'S house (the church) shall be established in the top of the mountains (Jerusalem), and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow unto it. The kingdom did not exist until after the Lord’s death, burial, resurrection, and ascension, and until the Spirit had delivered the gospel to the apostles. The kingdom began in Acts 2:41 when folks obeyed the gospel. Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. Then in Acts 2:47b we see to what God added them. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved. We have no need to “watch for” this kingdom, which is the church, as it has been in existence since A.D. 33, at 9:00 a.m. at Pentecost, in Jerusalem.
Since the kingdom has already come, why are we to be watching? The Spirit had Paul answer this in Ephesians 5:15-17. We are to be “watching” all around us because of evil. See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, 16 Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. 17 Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is. To understand what the will of the Lord is, is to know His Word.
Now, that we have entered into the church in the New Testament age, the final dispensation of time that God has promised, for what are we to be watching? Those of us who are Christians, (have been baptized into Christ), are a part of the kingdom, the church. Therefore, two things spring to mind. 1) We are to remain strong in “the faith”, which is the Word. This is written to Christians, and we can read this in 1Corinthians 16:13. Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong. 2) Titus 2:13 tells us we are to be watching for the Lord’s return. Looking for (watching for) that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;
There is also a very good reason why those not “in Christ” would not want to watch for His final return. 2Peter 3:10 tells us: But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up. When the Lord returns, time will be no more. Time will end as the earth will be destroyed. We also know what will happen to those not in Christ. We read in 2Thessalonians 1:8-9 what will happen to them, as well who will glorify and admire Him. In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: 9 Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power; 10 When he shall come to be glorified in his saints, and to be admired in all them that believe (because our testimony among you was believed) in that day.
However, there is something you can do so you do not suffer the wrath of God at the coming of Christ. Obey the gospel today. Then remain faithful the rest of your life. If you need help with this, let us know. We will assist you in coming to the knowledge of the truth. Then you too will want to “watch” for His return.
Dennis Strickland – Mooresville church of Christ
