Vigilant and Diligent During His Presence

Yes, aside from their figurative and prophetic meaning, these two parables present us with clear encouragement that comes from the mouth of Jesus himself.  His message is this: Be Vilgilant; be diligent especially when the sign of Christ pa-rou-si'a is seen. That is now. So are we being vigilant and diligent?

Jesus' half brother James was not on the Mount of Olives to hear Jesus' prophecy, but he later learned of it, and he clearly grasped the import.  He wrote:  "Exercise patient, therefore, brothers, until the presence of the Lord. Look! The former keeps waiting for the precious fruit of the earth, exercising patience over it until he gets the early rain and the late rain. You too exercise patience; make your hearts firm, because the presence of the Lord has drawn close." - JAMES 5:7, 8.

Having given assurance that God will judge adversely those who misuse their riches, James urged Christians not to be impatient while waiting for Jehovah to act.  And impatient Christian might become vindictive as if he himself had the right the wrongs committed. That should not be, through, because the time of judgment is certain to arrive.  The example of a farmer illustrates that, as James explained.

Next time: Conclusion of Vigilant and Diligent During His Presence

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