2 Timothy 3:1
This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.
Beloved brethren, today we will discuss the Last Hour and
how we, as humble followers of Christ, ought to prepare ourselves for it. John's
first epistle, chapter 2, verse 18, reads, "Little children, it is the
last hour; and as you have heard that the Antichrist is coming, even now, many
antichrists have come, by which we know that it is the last hour."
This verse reveals the certainty and urgency of the last hour. It is not a
far-fetched prophecy, nor is it an abstract notion. It is real, it is imminent,
and it is something for which we must prepare.
In our daily lives, we prepare for many things. We prepare
for work, we prepare for meals, we prepare for holidays, and we prepare for
bed. But how many of us are preparing for our ultimate journey, our final
calling, our last hour?
The "last hour" is not to be misconstrued as a
message of fear or doom. It is, rather, a message of hope and salvation. It is
a call to stand firm in our faith, to live righteously, and to serve God and
humanity with love, mercy, and compassion. It is a reminder of the promise of
eternity and the joy of living in God's eternal kingdom.
As we navigate the journey of life, we are called upon to
live as if every hour could be our last hour. This does not, by any means,
suggest that we live in fear or panic. Instead, it means that we live every
moment to its fullest, with a constant awareness of God's presence in our
lives. It means that we prioritise love, kindness, forgiveness, and generosity.
It means that we strive to live in a way that is pleasing to God, knowing that
our time on this Earth is temporary.
Jesus, our exemplar, lived His life fully aware of His
"last hour". Unwavering commitment to God's will, relentless love for
humanity, and unshakeable faith in the face of adversity characterised his life.
He prioritised the salvation of souls over His comfort, the preaching of the
gospel over wealth, and the kingdom of God over worldly treasures.
Preparation for the last hour is not an event, but a
process. It requires a constant and conscious decision to walk in the path of
righteousness, to bear good fruit, and to maintain a healthy relationship with
God through prayer, studying the word, and fellowship with believers.
My dear brethren, as we ponder over this message, let us
strive to live our lives in the consciousness of the impermanence of our
earthly existence. Let us cherish every moment, seize every opportunity to do
good, and strive to live a life worthy of our calling. The hour is near,
perhaps nearer than we think.
May the Holy Spirit guide us and strengthen us as we strive to prepare for our last hour. May our lives be a testament to God's love and mercy. And when our last hour comes, may we be found ready, standing firm in our faith, and rejoicing in the hope of eternal life.