"So stay awake, because you do not know the day when your Master is coming." (Matthew 24: 42)
The wise and trustworthy servant stays awake, vigilant and doing his work. His master came back suddenly without warning and found him at his task. The Goodnews calls us again and again to eternal vigilance.
We exercise vigilance in faithfulness to our purpose.
"As soon as you heard the word that we brought you as God's message, you welcome it for what it really is, not the word of any human being, but God's word, a power that is working among you believers." (1 Thessalonians 2: 13)
The word of God is near us. It is easily available and accessible. It blesses those who take it up and read it. It works within those who welcome it for what it is. The seed is the word of God. It will bear fruit in due season.
"The city walls stood on 12 foundation stones each one of which bore the name of one of the 12 apostles of the Lamb." (Revelation 21: 4)
Christ promised eternal reward to His apostles. We see this promised fulfilled here in Revelation 21: 4. This is a very appropriate scripture today, the feast of the apostle, St. Bartholomew. This scripture is for our encouragement. Jesus Christ is faithful to all His promises.
"Alas for you, blind guides!" (Matthew 23: 16)
Who is the guide?
Jesus Christ or the media?
"Alas for you, blind guides!"
"We know, brothers loved by God that you have been chosen, because our gospel came to you not only in words, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with great effect." (1 Thessalonians 1: 4 – 5)
The choice, the call and the anointing
We have been chosen. We have been called and anointed for great service in the vineyard of the Lord. Thank you Father. Help us to bear much fruit for your Son.
"You are Peter, and to you I will give the keys of the kingdom of heaven."
"I will place the key of the House of David on Eliakim's shoulder; when he opens, no one shall shut, when he shuts, no one shall open." (Isaiah 22: 19 – 23)
"And so I say to you, you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church, and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it.
I will give you the keys to the kingdom of heaven. Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven." (Matthew 16: 18 – 19)