PREPARE FOR THE DAY OF THE LORD

SCRIPTURE READINGS:

JOSHUA 24:1-3a, 14-25

1 THESSALONIANS 4:13-18

MATTHEW 25:1-13

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, today, the twenty-third Sunday after Trinity, we gather under the banner of the Lord's grace, to reflect on the theme, "Prepare for the day of the Lord." As we delve into the sacred scriptures, let us open our hearts and minds to receive the divine wisdom that will guide us on this journey of spiritual preparation.

Our readings today call us to attention, urging us to consider the gravity of our actions and the choices we make in our lives. In Joshua, we witness the people of Israel standing at the crossroads, making a covenant with God to serve Him faithfully. Joshua assured them that if they will not worship God, for him and his family will serve Him faithfully. In 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, we hear of the apostle Paul's tireless efforts to proclaim the Gospel and his exhortation for the Thessalonians to receive it not as a mere human word, but as the word of God. Apostle Paul addresses the Thessalonian Christians regarding the topic of the Second Coming of Christ. He reassures them about believers who have prepared and died, stating that they will not miss out on the final redemption. Paul emphasizes the hope of the resurrection, describing how the dead in Christ will rise first, followed by the living believers who will be caught up together with them to meet the Lord in the air. This passage underscores the comfort and anticipation we can have in the face of death, knowing that ultimate victory and reunion with Christ await us. Finally, in Matthew, we encounter the parable of the ten virgins, reminding us to be vigilant and prepared for the arrival of the bridegroom, representing the return of our Lord for the second time.

Let us now turn inward, engaging in a soul-searching examination. Are we, like the Israelites, standing at our own crossroads? Are we ready to make a covenant with God, to serve Him with all our hearts, minds, and souls? Have we truly received the Gospel as the divine word of God, allowing it to shape our thoughts, actions, and lives? And are we, in the midst of our daily routines, vigilant and prepared for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ?

Dear beloved in Christ, the call to prepare for the day of the Lord is not a mere suggestion, but a divine imperative. It is an invitation to embrace a life of holiness, righteousness, and unwavering faith. Let us heed the lessons from our readings today.

Let us therefore look at the following:

1. Covenant with God:

Like the Israelites, we too stand at a crossroads. The Lord beckons us to make a covenant, a sacred commitment to serve Him wholeheartedly. It requires a surrender of our will, an acknowledgment of His sovereignty, and a dedication to follow His commandments.

2. Receiving the Word:

The Gospel is not a mere collection of words penned by human hands. It is the living, breathing word of God, capable of transforming hearts and minds. Let us receive it with open hearts, allowing it to permeate every aspect of our lives, guiding our decisions, and illuminating our path.

3. Vigilance and Preparation:

The parable of the ten virgins reminds us of the necessity to be vigilant and prepared for the return of our Lord. We must not be complacent, assuming that there is ample time. Rather, let us be like the wise virgins, with our lamps trimmed and burning, ready to welcome our bridegroom.

The Bible describes the second coming of the Lord with various passages, such as Matthew 24:30, which mentions the Son of Man coming on the clouds with power and great glory.

The concept of the "day of the Lord" in the Bible is often associated with divine judgment and the culmination of God's plan for humanity. It is depicted in various ways in different biblical texts, but generally, it is described as a time of reckoning and divine intervention.

In Amos 5:18-20, the prophet Amos speaks about the day of the Lord, conveying a stern message to the Israelites. The verses emphasize that the day of the Lord is not a time of joy or celebration for everyone. Instead, it is a day of darkness and judgment.

Amos 5:18 (NIV) says, "Woe to you who long for the day of the Lord! Why do you long for the day of the Lord? That day will be darkness, not light." Here, Amos warns against the misguided desire for the day of the Lord, suggesting that it won't bring the salvation or prosperity that some may expect. Instead, it will be a day of darkness, representing divine judgment.

Verse 19 continues, "It will be as though a man fled from a lion only to meet a bear, as though he entered his house and rested his hand on the wall only to have a snake bite him." This vivid imagery reinforces the idea that escaping one danger only to encounter another symbolizes the inescapable nature of God's judgment on that day.

Amos 5:20 concludes with, "Will not the day of the Lord be darkness, not light—pitch-dark, without a ray of brightness?" The repetition emphasizes the severity of the impending judgment. The day of the Lord, as portrayed by Amos, is a time of darkness and calamity, contrasting with the people's misguided expectations of it being a day of light and deliverance.

Overall, Amos 5:18-20 serves as a powerful warning about the consequences of sin and the importance of genuine repentance before the day of the Lord arrives.

Dear brothers and sisters, as we leave this sacred gathering today, let us carry with us the resolve to prepare for the day of the Lord. Let our lives be a testimony to our unwavering faith, our commitment to His word, and our readiness for His glorious return. May we walk in the footsteps of Christ, guided by the Holy Spirit, until that blessed day when we shall meet our Lord face to face. Amen

Rev. Sylvanus Kpodonu

EPCG

Tanyigbe District