This season before Advent usually has an eschatological focus. What did I just say? Eschatological? This is from the Greek word: ἔσχατος (éschatos), which means “last.” It literally means, “last word” or “study about the last things.”
When the whole world seems in a uproar, when the nations rage (Psalm 46) like we have seen over the last few months, it is natural for us to begin asking eschatological questions. It is also common for an increase in eschatological speculations. This has been evident since the time of Jesus, since he said he was coming again! He also warned about speculators or false alarms (Matthew 24.5). He also said that there would be signs at the end of the age (Matthew 24.6-14). He also said that no one would know the day or the hour of the Son of Man’s coming (Matthew 24.36-44). Apocalyptic literature in Scripture (Revelation, portions of the Gospels, portions of Daniel and Ezekiel, and other prophets, and 1 & 2 Thessalonians) are not meant to create fear or dread. They do share some similar purposes and themes, including:
Warnings against falling away: Matthew 24.10.
Warnings against being led astray: Matthew 24.11.
Warnings against lovelessness and lawlessness: Matthew 24.12.
Encouragement to endure: Matthew 24.13
Encouragement to be awake and ready: “Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming…” Matthew 24.46
Encouragement to not withdraw, but to continued participation in the ministry and ways of Jesus: Matthew 25.31-46
Encouragement to trust God beyond the veil (Revelation 1.1), to be in worship on the Lord’s Day (Revelation 1.3,10), and to join all of heaven in worship (Revelation 4.8; 11; 5.9, 12, 13, et al).
Encouragement to hope: From Titus 2.11-14, “For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works.
Jesus is coming again. This is no reason for fear, but it is also no time to fall asleep.
From the Advent Hymn, Wake Awake, for Night is Flying (Philipp Nicholai):
She wakes, she rises from her gloom,
for her Lord comes down all-glorious,
and strong in grace, in truth victorious.
Her star is ris'n; her light is come.
O, come, you Blessed One,
Lord Jesus, God's own Son.
Sing hosanna!
We go until the halls we view
where You have bid us dine with You.
Again, this is brilliant. Your focus on the encouragement verses is excellent and necessary. Thank you, I love receiving these emails.