Keep in Expectation!

WHY KEEP IN EXPECTATION?

The Bible leaves no doubt about what our attitude should be toward the impending destruction of this system of things.   Jesus told his followers to "Keep on the watch: and to "keep awake." (Matthew 24:42; Luke 21:34-36)  That in itself is a good reason to remain in expectation -Jesus told us to do so!  In this regard, Jehovah 's organization has set an example.  Its publications have consistently exhorted us to "await and keep close in mind the presence of the day of Jehovah" and to fix our hope on God's promised new world. - Read  2 Peter 3:11-13.  

Although keeping in expectation was appropriate for Christians living   centuries ago, it is particularly important for us. Why?  Because we are living during  Christ's presence.  The sign of his presence has been in evidence since 1914.  And the multi-featured  sign, which includes worsening world conditions and global kingdom preaching, means that we are living in "the conclusion of the system  of things." (Matthew 24:3, 7-14) Since Jesus did not say how long that period of time would go on before the end arrived, we need to be especially vigilant, watchful. 

We might ask: Could not "the conclusion of the system of things" refer to a future time when world conditions will become even worse? The Bible does not indicate that wickedness will greatly  increase "in the last days."  (2 Timothy 3:1, 13; Matthew 24:21; Revelation 12:12) So we can expect that world conditions, bad as they are now, will continue to decline. 

Next time: Keep in Expectation! - Conclusion of  WHY KEEP IN EXPECTATION?

From the Watchtower magazine