Watch and Learn

Wednesday, August 29, 2018

Matthew 24:32-35: [Jesus is saying,] "From the fig tree learn its' lesson: as soon as its' branch becomes tender and puts out its' leaves, you know that summer is near. So also, when you see all these things, you know that He is near, at the very gates. Truly, I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things take place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away."

Jesus was asked, "When is the end of it all going to happen.?" Jesus then begins to teach His disciples what must take place before the end of the world, the end of everything will take place. He wants His disciples to:

1. Watch, and 
2. Learn

Watch:
What are the signs? What am I looking for? Am I looking for behaviors, patterns of life, and the like? And then, after I watch all these things, what am I learning? 

It is our calling to watch what is happening in the world. We observe how the world is going "to hell in a hand basket." The world is so "me centered" it's ridiculous. For example, people miss behave because they want someone's attention. They want someone to love them, yet no one is watching. And that is when bad behavior happens.

The point is, Jesus wants us to watch what the world is doing and learn from it.

Learn:
We learn by observation. We learn and then do things based upon what we learned. Jesus uses a great example of watching and learning. What do you learn by watching the fig tree grow? You learn that soon the fig tree will blossom and grow and then you'll be able to harvest its' fruit and eat.

What are you learning from the ways of the world and what is happening? Are you learning anything about yourself? I hope so. I hope that you're learning that you share the same characteristics and the same core as everyone else. You are a sinner, too. You're not "better" than anyone else because you're a Christian. The difference between you and the world is, you KNOW AND BELIEVE that Jesus is Your salvation. That is what you learned from His Word, which will never pass away.

Now what are you willing and able to do based upon what you learned about yourself? Are you going to take that Word of God and live your life according to it? Are you going to share that Word that changed your life that can change the other person's life with him or her?

The answer to all three questions is, "Yes with the help of God." You are a Christian when you believe in your heart that Jesus forgave you by means of His death and gave you a new life through His resurrection. You can, AND WILL, do these things because God is in you.

Are you perfect? No. Are you forgiven of all your sins? YES! So stand up and stand out. Your faith and life is equipped by Jesus' Word. Your hope is encouraged by His grace and forgiveness. And His love engages you to serve and grow and live.

Watch and Learn.