Watching and Preparing

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randyk

Well-known member
Jan 14, 2021
1,057
293
83
Pacific NW USA
#1
From another Discussion...
Randy said:
In my view, Jesus was using "watching" as a synonym for "being ready." If we "watch" we are in fact getting "ready" as Jesus used the term.

But as you say, these concepts are not necessarily the same unless used in a context that joins them. In this case, "watching" is "being ready."

But outside of how Jesus is using "watching," it can fall woefully short of "being ready." For example, I could be engaged in all kinds of eschatological preparation by drawing up prophetic maps, interpreting current events, and even selling some of my material belongings. But if we are not walking in step with the Lord spiritually we are not really "being ready." We are just engaging in a "prophetic watch."

Sentry duty is not necessarily "getting ready." To get ready properly we have to be walking with the Lord, and not just engaging our minds in developing prophetic calendars and schemes. To try to anticipate the signs and times in this way goes against what Jesus specifically said regarding anticipating his Return.

We are *not* to know times and seasons as our main focus in order to get ready for his Coming. Rather, we are to be engaged in the ministry we are called to presently in specific preparation for that event. We bring the message of warning to the world first, and then comes the end.

What Jesus told his Disciples of in the Olivet Discourse was a different context from his Coming, though Jesus compared these events. But in the case of the fall of the Temple, Jesus warned his Disciples that the time for that to happen had already come, that it would happen in *their generation."

But by contrast Jesus' Return is going to follow a long Jewish Exile and Diaspora that necessarily precedes his Coming. He will not Come until after they have been sent into Exile for the longest punishment in the history of the Jews. Only then will he Return.

In the meantime it is our duty to continue with this job of testifying to the Gospel and warning the world of coming Judgment. He will not come until God sees fit to do so.

To be ready for that event we are now given opportunity to relay the message that we can be converted spiritually in order to repent and be spared God's hostility towards Sin. To be "ready" therefore is to be *converted* and to remain true to this conversion spiritually and morally.
There is a difference between "knowing" by intellectual assent (ginosko) and "knowing" through an experience of the senses (eido). Both of them are used in the discourse. And both words are used in Matthew 24:33.
Mar 13:29 ISV In the same way, when you SEE (eido) these things taking place, you will know that the Son of Man is near, right at the door.

Mat 24:33 KJV So likewise ye, when ye shall SEE all these things, know that it is near, even at the doors.

Someone said:
There is a difference between "knowing" by intellectual assent (ginosko) and "knowing" through an experience of the senses (eido). Both of them are used in the discourse. And both words are used in Matthew 24:33.
Mar 13:29 ISV In the same way, when you SEE (eido) these things taking place, you will know that the Son of Man is near, right at the door.
Mat 24:33 KJV So likewise ye, when ye shall SEE all these things, know that it is near, even at the doors.

Randy said:

I agree that there is a difference between knowing by senses, and thus preparing, and knowing intellectually. But they can also be the same thing. This would be a distinction without a difference.

That is, I can intellectually assent to Jesus' Coming and at the same time recognize with my eyes physical evidence that his Coming is near, though that is not yet possible--we see nothing that suggests he is coming in the immediate moment.

What we must recognize is the difference between the need to physically prepare for and physically see things that are happening now, and things that are distant and in the future. The things that are happening now are our priority, and not the distant things.

I suggest that in the Olivet Discourse Jesus was comparing the relatively imminent judgment against the Jews in 70 AD and the 2nd Coming Jesus' Disciples were asking him about. The one event was already up on the calendar and had to be physically prepared for. The other event was distant and not important to try to physically prepare for or anticipate. Distant things are subject to "times and seasons" that are under the Father's care, and not our present concern (Acts 1.7).

We prepare for that distant event, ie Christ's Coming strictly by remaining ready spiritually, as always, continuing to walk in our converted lifestyle, remaining true to Christ. If we remain true to him today we are ready today, even if the event remains a long ways off.

We cannot prepare for that event physically but it is not yet of curremt concern. It belongs to the "times and seasons" category that we are not to try to anticipate and physically see or prepare for.

The lesson is, I think, to be engaged in things that are happening now, or about to happen imminently, just as Jesus' Disciples had to prepare for the relatively imminent event of 70 AD. The things that are far off we don't need to speculate on because our higher priority is in doing things now that must precede Christ's Coming.

We must preach the Gospel of conversion and we must warn the world of God's judgment against their Sin. This is our priority and must precede the actual time of Christ's Return.
 
Oct 24, 2012
18,046
870
113
#2
From another Discussion...
Randy said:
In my view, Jesus was using "watching" as a synonym for "being ready." If we "watch" we are in fact getting "ready" as Jesus used the term.

But as you say, these concepts are not necessarily the same unless used in a context that joins them. In this case, "watching" is "being ready."

But outside of how Jesus is using "watching," it can fall woefully short of "being ready." For example, I could be engaged in all kinds of eschatological preparation by drawing up prophetic maps, interpreting current events, and even selling some of my material belongings. But if we are not walking in step with the Lord spiritually we are not really "being ready." We are just engaging in a "prophetic watch."

Sentry duty is not necessarily "getting ready." To get ready properly we have to be walking with the Lord, and not just engaging our minds in developing prophetic calendars and schemes. To try to anticipate the signs and times in this way goes against what Jesus specifically said regarding anticipating his Return.

We are *not* to know times and seasons as our main focus in order to get ready for his Coming. Rather, we are to be engaged in the ministry we are called to presently in specific preparation for that event. We bring the message of warning to the world first, and then comes the end.

What Jesus told his Disciples of in the Olivet Discourse was a different context from his Coming, though Jesus compared these events. But in the case of the fall of the Temple, Jesus warned his Disciples that the time for that to happen had already come, that it would happen in *their generation."

But by contrast Jesus' Return is going to follow a long Jewish Exile and Diaspora that necessarily precedes his Coming. He will not Come until after they have been sent into Exile for the longest punishment in the history of the Jews. Only then will he Return.

In the meantime it is our duty to continue with this job of testifying to the Gospel and warning the world of coming Judgment. He will not come until God sees fit to do so.

To be ready for that event we are now given opportunity to relay the message that we can be converted spiritually in order to repent and be spared God's hostility towards Sin. To be "ready" therefore is to be *converted* and to remain true to this conversion spiritually and morally.
There is a difference between "knowing" by intellectual assent (ginosko) and "knowing" through an experience of the senses (eido). Both of them are used in the discourse. And both words are used in Matthew 24:33.
Mar 13:29 ISV In the same way, when you SEE (eido) these things taking place, you will know that the Son of Man is near, right at the door.

Mat 24:33 KJV So likewise ye, when ye shall SEE all these things, know that it is near, even at the doors.

Someone said:
There is a difference between "knowing" by intellectual assent (ginosko) and "knowing" through an experience of the senses (eido). Both of them are used in the discourse. And both words are used in Matthew 24:33.
Mar 13:29 ISV In the same way, when you SEE (eido) these things taking place, you will know that the Son of Man is near, right at the door.
Mat 24:33 KJV So likewise ye, when ye shall SEE all these things, know that it is near, even at the doors.


Randy said:
I agree that there is a difference between knowing by senses, and thus preparing, and knowing intellectually. But they can also be the same thing. This would be a distinction without a difference.

That is, I can intellectually assent to Jesus' Coming and at the same time recognize with my eyes physical evidence that his Coming is near, though that is not yet possible--we see nothing that suggests he is coming in the immediate moment.

What we must recognize is the difference between the need to physically prepare for and physically see things that are happening now, and things that are distant and in the future. The things that are happening now are our priority, and not the distant things.

I suggest that in the Olivet Discourse Jesus was comparing the relatively imminent judgment against the Jews in 70 AD and the 2nd Coming Jesus' Disciples were asking him about. The one event was already up on the calendar and had to be physically prepared for. The other event was distant and not important to try to physically prepare for or anticipate. Distant things are subject to "times and seasons" that are under the Father's care, and not our present concern (Acts 1.7).

We prepare for that distant event, ie Christ's Coming strictly by remaining ready spiritually, as always, continuing to walk in our converted lifestyle, remaining true to Christ. If we remain true to him today we are ready today, even if the event remains a long ways off.

We cannot prepare for that event physically but it is not yet of curremt concern. It belongs to the "times and seasons" category that we are not to try to anticipate and physically see or prepare for.

The lesson is, I think, to be engaged in things that are happening now, or about to happen imminently, just as Jesus' Disciples had to prepare for the relatively imminent event of 70 AD. The things that are far off we don't need to speculate on because our higher priority is in doing things now that must precede Christ's Coming.

We must preach the Gospel of conversion and we must warn the world of God's judgment against their Sin. This is our priority and must precede the actual time of Christ's Return.
Now, in short order
Be inner-dependent on God Father and Son as won for you to be new in love and mercy to all also. It is love from God through Son that won, and then one in belief, becomes new in being inner-dependent on God Father and Son to to teach them new first 1 John 2:27
Thank you for your post, and am elated you believe God too
 

Blain

The Word Weaver
Aug 28, 2012
21,277
3,478
113
#3
Watching and being ready for the rapture I am guessing? To be honest I want to believe it is soon but I have become numb to the idea sadly
 

lrs68

Well-known member
Dec 30, 2024
1,608
453
83
#4
Watching and being ready for the rapture I am guessing? To be honest I want to believe it is soon but I have become numb to the idea sadly
That's actually pretty interesting because 20 years ago I was kinda lost between my family, work, activities for my children, and my own interests that I had God in mind but always was too busy for the most important things like God and drawing closer to Him. Then I woke up one morning and realized that the years passed by, things in life happened, and next I am sitting beside my Dad understanding it was too late to do the things we did because he was going Home to be with God. That last week was horrible and each night made us wonder about tomorrow or if there would be a tomorrow for my Dad. But as he was slipping away he grabbed my hand and made me promise to meet him in Heaven.

Now I began changing my life and setting my direction towards God and all hell broke loose for several years that seemed like a continuation of one massive trial after another. Then a couple years ago I suddenly got this hunger to be closer and learn like I once did about the Tanakh and New Testament. It was like a crash course because knowledge was jumping out of the pages and imbedding into my heart and mind. I couldn't get enough and everything I was reading seemed to open up a new revelation.

And here I am now writing this in response to your post because I am convinced without a shadow of a doubt that Tribulation could begin any moment now. I am convinced that the Spirit of God could spark that final end times Revival they preached about for years. I am convinced that Yeshua will be coming relatively soon. And I am convinced that tomorrow could be the day that kicks it all off. It's like a feeling of awareness and atmosphere. I just believe.
 

Blain

The Word Weaver
Aug 28, 2012
21,277
3,478
113
#5
That's actually pretty interesting because 20 years ago I was kinda lost between my family, work, activities for my children, and my own interests that I had God in mind but always was too busy for the most important things like God and drawing closer to Him. Then I woke up one morning and realized that the years passed by, things in life happened, and next I am sitting beside my Dad understanding it was too late to do the things we did because he was going Home to be with God. That last week was horrible and each night made us wonder about tomorrow or if there would be a tomorrow for my Dad. But as he was slipping away he grabbed my hand and made me promise to meet him in Heaven.

Now I began changing my life and setting my direction towards God and all hell broke loose for several years that seemed like a continuation of one massive trial after another. Then a couple years ago I suddenly got this hunger to be closer and learn like I once did about the Tanakh and New Testament. It was like a crash course because knowledge was jumping out of the pages and imbedding into my heart and mind. I couldn't get enough and everything I was reading seemed to open up a new revelation.

And here I am now writing this in response to your post because I am convinced without a shadow of a doubt that Tribulation could begin any moment now. I am convinced that the Spirit of God could spark that final end times Revival they preached about for years. I am convinced that Yeshua will be coming relatively soon. And I am convinced that tomorrow could be the day that kicks it all off. It's like a feeling of awareness and atmosphere. I just believe.
I have been wondering if we are entering into a transition of the tribulation revival and the rapture. after I posted my last post here I felt a tug inside to go to youtube and I came upon a video that was very short but interesting. basically it showed me something about a calculation of the rapture or rather harpazo
watch this video it is very short but I was astonished by it
 
Oct 24, 2012
18,046
870
113
#6
Watching and being ready for the rapture I am guessing? To be honest I want to believe it is soon but I have become numb to the idea sadly
When people come to the end of their expectations, the new begins
I see my unrealistic expectations, sets me up for failure(s) Like Lord I won't do that, I love you, I get reminded of Peter, saying oh, Lord no I won't. Then, the death, burial and resurrection. Then seeing not remembering where at in scripture.
Jesus on the shore after risen and Peter and others on a boat fishing, they see Jesus on shore, he is cooking a fish
Peter swims to him, and Jesus says three times to him, Peter do you love me three times as Peter responds you know I do Lord
Then he says to Peter "Feed my Sheep" Is Jesus talking food? Spiritual food yes. What did Jesus say to them the disciples when were eating and they wanted him to sit down and eat right before taken away to be killed first?
I have food that you do jot know of yet. Now in the risen Son we have this food to eat and be content in all things happening whether it seems good for now or not, you think?
Love to you Brother to last through the coldest day or hottest one or even in between
Look up acceptance in Bible gateway and see all the scriptures that come up, amazing this is to see and read them all,
The battlefield of the Angelic conflict, still raging forward, love to all
 

randyk

Well-known member
Jan 14, 2021
1,057
293
83
Pacific NW USA
#7
That's actually pretty interesting because 20 years ago I was kinda lost between my family, work, activities for my children, and my own interests that I had God in mind but always was too busy for the most important things like God and drawing closer to Him. Then I woke up one morning and realized that the years passed by, things in life happened, and next I am sitting beside my Dad understanding it was too late to do the things we did because he was going Home to be with God. That last week was horrible and each night made us wonder about tomorrow or if there would be a tomorrow for my Dad. But as he was slipping away he grabbed my hand and made me promise to meet him in Heaven.

Now I began changing my life and setting my direction towards God and all hell broke loose for several years that seemed like a continuation of one massive trial after another. Then a couple years ago I suddenly got this hunger to be closer and learn like I once did about the Tanakh and New Testament. It was like a crash course because knowledge was jumping out of the pages and imbedding into my heart and mind. I couldn't get enough and everything I was reading seemed to open up a new revelation.

And here I am now writing this in response to your post because I am convinced without a shadow of a doubt that Tribulation could begin any moment now. I am convinced that the Spirit of God could spark that final end times Revival they preached about for years. I am convinced that Yeshua will be coming relatively soon. And I am convinced that tomorrow could be the day that kicks it all off. It's like a feeling of awareness and atmosphere. I just believe.
Yea, it's terrible that we can live in sort of an artificial dream, going on inertia without any recognition whatsoever of the importance of our relationship with God. And what is our relationship with Him but a conscious sense that we should be trying to please Him in all we do, in the mundane things, in the ministry things, in our poltical and social concerns.

But that's where the cost and the trial comes in. When we begin to actually live by the word of God, the test begins, and we feel all kinds of opposition and reasons for discouragement. This is where we really begin to make a difference with God and in our lives, because it is when God's word becomes our mission that we make a difference in lives around us and in our own lives.

Good luck to you. I hope your aspirations succeed, and that you pass the test. I don't really define the "Tribulation" as the Reign of Antichrist as if it is about to begin. I define the Tribulation the way Jesus did, when he was speaking primarily to the Jews.

He told them that in view of their nation's condition there would be a curse on the nation that lasts until his return. In the meantime a remnant of believers would emerge and hold the fort for Israel until her time of redemptioni draws near.

That tribulation has been in place for Israel throughout the Jewish Diaspora, and is in place for former Christian nations that are "losing it." But the remnant of godly people in all these nations are "holding the fort" until Christ returns.

Be encouraged. You're the one(s) who keep hope alive and who make a difference. Even when you don't see it or feel it--working with God's word is something that lasts. "The flowers fade, but the word of our God lasts forever."
 

lrs68

Well-known member
Dec 30, 2024
1,608
453
83
#8
Yea, it's terrible that we can live in sort of an artificial dream, going on inertia without any recognition whatsoever of the importance of our relationship with God. And what is our relationship with Him but a conscious sense that we should be trying to please Him in all we do, in the mundane things, in the ministry things, in our poltical and social concerns.

But that's where the cost and the trial comes in. When we begin to actually live by the word of God, the test begins, and we feel all kinds of opposition and reasons for discouragement. This is where we really begin to make a difference with God and in our lives, because it is when God's word becomes our mission that we make a difference in lives around us and in our own lives.

Good luck to you. I hope your aspirations succeed, and that you pass the test. I don't really define the "Tribulation" as the Reign of Antichrist as if it is about to begin. I define the Tribulation the way Jesus did, when he was speaking primarily to the Jews.

He told them that in view of their nation's condition there would be a curse on the nation that lasts until his return. In the meantime a remnant of believers would emerge and hold the fort for Israel until her time of redemptioni draws near.

That tribulation has been in place for Israel throughout the Jewish Diaspora, and is in place for former Christian nations that are "losing it." But the remnant of godly people in all these nations are "holding the fort" until Christ returns.

Be encouraged. You're the one(s) who keep hope alive and who make a difference. Even when you don't see it or feel it--working with God's word is something that lasts. "The flowers fade, but the word of our God lasts forever."
This is an excellent explanation and descriptive account on what seems to take place whenever someone truly makes it a purpose to draw themselves closer to God. Aside from the trials that our enemy attempts to impose upon us to give up or separate ourselves from God, or the trials we unknowingly bring upon ourselves, God allows them all to strengthen our Faith in Him. It's the evidence of the reward we obtain once we exit the season we just passed through.

It even strengthens our dependacy and focus to God. It's interesting because Romans 1 reveals that God manifests Himself through Creation, the Universe, Nature, People in order for people to see and believe in God. Which is very much the same way as God is doing through trials so we look to Him, seek after Him, believe in Him, keep focused on Him. Clearly in everything both good and bad there's a purpose happening to reveal God so we draw ourselves towards Him.