p. 15 | Jesus Is Coming by M. Wood

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jul 8, 1875

Jesus Is Coming.

By M. Wood

“WATCH therefore; for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come.” Matt. 24:42. These are no idle, meaningless words, which were spoken by our Lord. They are words of the deepest import, and contain a most solemn admonition to the inhabitants of the earth. They are especially applicable to those living in the closing scenes of this world's history; not to those only who make no profession of godliness, but to those also who are looking for his coming. To such, he says, “And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unaware.” Luke 21:34. “Behold I come as a thief. Blessed is he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame.” Rev. 16:15.

“Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.” Luke 21:36. This text of scripture is evidently applicable to Christians. And if the Christian is a faithful servant, he will be prepared for the coming of the absent Master. He will be ever anticipating the coming of the Bridegroom. If we are Christians, we should be distinct from the world, testifying to it that the works thereof are evil. We should be employing every talent we have for the prosperity of our Lord's cause. He will come as a thief. No one can calculate the time, nor do we pretend to know the day, nor the hour. In fact, we have nothing to do with the time of his coming. Our business is to be ready for that glorious yet solemn event. Our garments should be daily washed and made white in the blood of the Lamb. Our loins should be girt about with his truth, waiting patiently for the coming of the Lord.

Our opposition to evil should be calm and constant. Our work in the Master's vineyard should be regularly, not spasmodically, performed. Our affections should be set on things above. Our union with Christ should be such as can be realized. In short, our object should be to live for Christ, and, as much as possible, like him, not sleeping, as do some, not idling, as do others; not conforming ourselves to the world as do too many; but we should be wakeful, watchful, and prayerful, doing the will of God from the heart, walking in all his ordinances and commandments blameless.

Reader, shall we meet at the marriage supper of the Lamb? Shall we sit down with Jesus at his table in his kingdom? Shall we meet there, happy in his love, clothed in his righteousness, to glorify his dear name forever? It is our privilege to do so, and in order that we may, let us make our calling and election sure. Let us live for Christ, live like Christ, and live looking and longing for the glorious appearing of Christ. “And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming.” 1 John 2:28. M. WOOD.

Boston, June, 1875.