I am always amazed at the sheer number of sacrifices of animal, food, drink that were asked of the people of Israel. They would have needed to maintain large herds in order to meet the demand. Such a constant reminder of the sin in their lives. And yesterday's sermon spoke to me on how the need for all that is past. We don't need to atone for our sin by means of sacrifices (any type of sacrifice). Christ paid the price for all eternity (forward and back) once for all.
In Matthew 24 Jesus talks about his return to earth. I was talking with a friend the other day and she was telling me how some members of her former church were adamant they knew when the Lord was returning, and henceforth were causing a lot of stress within their church as they wouldn't budge from their position. Their position was that God gave us these signs to watch for.. those signs are here and present ergo WE KNOW we are right.
But in Matthew 24 we read these words
So to shall be the return of the Lord Jesus Christ. We all know it's coming (even those who believe it not). God has given us the signs to be watchful for, but no one truly knows the day or even the hour.
All we can do is this:
Therefore, stay awake, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming.
That's all we can do.
Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.
The bible really can't be more clear can it be? BE READY. Just as a servant must be ready for his master's return, ready to open the door, prepare a meal or do whatever is needful for their master. So must we be ready for our Lord and Master as well. Be watchful, be alert, slumber not. Today could be the very day of his return.