Sermon Snippet – Preparing for an Uncertain Future
INTRODUCTION – Many devout Christians are sincerely concerned about the direction of our nation – really, of our world. We are not afraid, “for God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind [self-control]” (II Timothy 1:7). We do, though, want to be appropriately prepared for the incertitude of the future here on earth. The Bible provides us with ample instruction on this subject.
1. THE EXAMPLE OF JOSEPH ESTABLISHES A HELPFUL PRINCIPLE
Genesis 41 is the familiar account of Pharaoh’s dream of seven lean cows devouring seven fat ones (verses 17-21) and seven withered heads of grain eating up seven full ones (verses 22-24). God gave Joseph the correct interpretation: seven good years of harvest would be followed by seven years of famine (verses 25-32). Joseph then provided wise counsel to Pharaoh: prepare in the good years for the bad times to follow (verses 33-40). This was godly, specific advice to Pharaoh. For us, the general principle is applicable.
2. THE BOOK OF PROVERBS ALSO FURNISHES INSIGHT
In Proverbs 6:6-11, we are presented with the example of the lowly ant. It takes a humble person to learn from such a small and simple creature: Lord, help us to be humble! The only antidote to economic hardship is hard work. We need an honest appraisal of our needs, abilities, and opportunities. We must continue to assess our situations. What can we do to be provident? In what ways can we be more frugal and economical? We need to be practical like the ant.
3. A PARABLE OF JESUS GIVES NECESSARY PERSPECTIVE
In Matthew 25:1-13, Jesus employs the traditions of a Jewish wedding in the first century to make this salient point: we must be ready for eternity. Nothing is more important than salvation through faith in God the Son, Jesus Christ. Sadly, excessive wealth can be a serious impediment to saving faith; Paul points out “that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called” (I Corinthians 1:26). Money is a particularly nasty enslaver, blinding many to spiritual truth. Jesus is coming back for His people: “Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh” (verse 13). Our immediate future is uncertain; our eternal future is secure if our faith is in Jesus alone.
CONCLUSION – We need to be prepared as best as we can for what may be coming; we need to be prepared for Who is coming – Jesus Christ. Please trust in Him today, and be ready for the future.