On a platform at one of London’s busy railway stations a man was seen wearing, around his arm, a band bearing the words “Look-out.” Apparently his duties consisted of two things: one was to be always watching for approaching trains, and the other was to warn some men who were working on the lines below, so that if a train approached they could get out of the way as quickly as possible. I could not help feeling how important was his work, for any failure on his part might mean the loss of the lives of his fellowmen. It was as important to warn as it was to watch, but both must go together, and that man must be always on the alert.
This man spoke to my heart of how a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ is really in a very similar position. He has two very important things to see to. One is to be watching for the return of the Lord Jesus and the other is to warn those around him of approaching judgment, and of the danger in which they stand if they have not obtained salvation. He must bid them to “flee from the wrath to come.” Matt. 3:7.
The coming of the Lord will mean eternal joy for all who believe in Him, for those who have trusted in the Lord Jesus know that when they see Him they shall be like Him, and will dwell forever with Him in glory. In 1 Thessalonians 1, we read that those in Thessalonica who believed were waiting for God’s Son from heaven, even Jesus, our deliverer from the coming wrath. But those who do not believe in Jesus will find that they are lost forever when Jesus comes again, and that all opportunities of trusting in Him will then be gone forever. So while we watch for our Lord to come, may we be warning those around us of their danger, and at the same time telling out the wondrous story of the love of God. “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” John 3:16.
“Blessed are those servants, whom the Lord when He cometh shall find watching.” Luke 12:37.
ML 09/19/1954