Matthew 24:42 Watch therefore: for you know not what hour your Lord does come. I. THE WARNING. Christ's coming is compared to that of a thief in the night. Seems disparaging, but is remarkably apt (1 Thessalonians 5:2-4). The dispensation under which we live is emphatically that of night, in comparison with the dispensation which is to be introduced at the day of the Lord, etc. The plans of the housebreaker are all laid beforehand, and yet studiously concealed. So the coming of the Lord and the day of His appearing are fixed with infinite wisdom, but kept secret with a profound reserve. That mystery wears a pleasing or repulsive aspect, according to the preparedness of those to whom the Master comes. II. THE CAUTION. It is remarkable that the Evangelist Luke, while emitting the parable, gives us the most lucid account of its application (Luke 21:34). III. THE PRECEPT. A personal preparation for the coming of our Lord is to be regarded as a matter of imminent motive with us all. You may be deceived as to the signs; but you are not to be negligent of the event. "Watch and pray." Watchfulness is the habit of keeping the eye constantly alive to events; prayer is the habit of keeping the heart constantly lifted up to God. Taking into account the conditions under which we are admonished to watch and pray, the intent becomes palpable that things we are not permitted to know beforehand will be gradually unfolded to us as the events are about to transpire. But the chief motive defies analysis. The holy instinct of loving hearts prompts that ardent expectancy with which "hope" anticipates the appearing of the Lord. (B. W. Carr.) Parallel Verses KJV: Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come.WEB: Watch therefore, for you don't know in what hour your Lord comes. |
    |