Night Cometh, A Biblical Admonition
by Joel Hendon(14)
There stands a church building in Dallas, Texas which has a clock tower above the roof. It has a clock face on all four sides so it may be seen from all directions. On each of the four sides are painted two words, ‘Night Cometh‘. Most of those who see this clock daily, probably know the words are there but may never give them any serious thought. "I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work." (John 9:4 KJV) Jesus made this remark during His ministry which only lasted 2 to 3 years, before He was crucified. His comment had reference to Himself as he went about preaching the coming of His church (spiritual kingdom) and warning all of their wickedness and their need for repentance. But the last phrase of His sentence carries a subtle but sure warning or perhaps more accurately, an entreaty. Other verses of scripture bring clarity to the underlying importance of it. Let's see if we can learn what the inferences of this statement means in full. Firstly, in reference to Himself, He knew that the length of His life here among men was very limited and would end in His crucifixion. And He had much to accomplish. His chosen Apostles must be indoctrinated concerning the coming of His kingdom which was to be initiated by them after His ascension. The surrounding nations where the Jews were primarily located after the dispersion where to be alerted to the coming of that kingdom. Yet, none of them, including the Apostles, would understand the nature of that kingdom until the very day it was established. Rather than try to fully explain the coming of this kingdom, I refer the reader to the following verses and encourage all to read them. With the coming of it in mind, Read these scriptures in the order listed: (Matthew 16:13-19 NASV) Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, He was asking His disciples, "Who do people say that the Son of Man is?" And they said, "Some say John the Baptist; and others, Elijah; but still others, Jeremiah, or one of the prophets." And Jesus said to him, "Blessed are you, Simon Barjona, because flesh and blood did not reveal this to you, but My Father who is in heaven. "I also say to you that you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build My church; and the gates of Hades will not overpower it. "I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; and whatever you bind on earth shall have been bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall have been loosed in heaven." (Mark 9:1 NASV) And Jesus was saying to them, "Truly I say to you, there are some of those who are standing here who will not taste death until they see the kingdom of God after it has come with power." (John 14:26 NASV) But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. (John 15:26 NASV) But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me: (John 16:6-8) But because I have said these things unto you, sorrow hath filled your heart. Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you. And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: (Acts 1:6-8) So when they had come together, they were asking Him, saying, "Lord, is it at this time You are restoring the kingdom to Israel?" He said to them, "It is not for you to know times or epochs which the Father has fixed by His own authority; but you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth." Then in Acts the second chapter, full details of the literal coming (with power) and establishment of His kingdom is laid out. About 3,000 of the Jews were converted and were added to His kingdom (church) on that first day. Night had come when He would no longer work in the midst of men. The establishment and edification of the kingdom was left entirely within the hands of His apostles and those upon whom they laid their hands to imbue with miraculous powers. But, secondly, the night cometh when NO man can work. Of course, it is obvious that when a person dies, night has come as far as his work is concerned and he will face his maker and be judged by the things he has done in the flesh, whether they be good or bad.
At some later time, the night will come when all will no longer work.
But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up. (2 Peter 3:10 KJV)
At this coming, there will be many who, as the Pharisees, are strongly religious but maintain a self-righteousness, not biblically sound. Their time to work for the Lord will be over regardless, and the night that cometh will have come.
(Matthew 7:21-23) Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
Article submitted Tuesday, March 10, 2009 & read 312 times.
Leave Your Comments:
» left by Teresa Ortiz (1 year 5 days ago.)
Joel, thank you for this informative study. It flowed well and was easy to follow. I think the Scriptures you chose spoke well of what you intened the reader to learn. Indeed the night cometh,may we all be ready. Lord bless you! Teresa
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» left by Joel Hendon (1 year 5 days ago.)
Thanks Teresa, for reading and commenting. Yes, the days are swiftly passing. I know by the statistics, it will not be long before my "night cometh", and although it is somewhat frightening, I have grown to the point that I actually look forward to it. As Paul says, it is far better to live with Christ.
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» left by Linda DeWitt from Oregon (1 year 4 days ago.)
Thank you Joel for a great article. I hope it wakes some people up so they may be prepared when the night cometh. God Bless, Linda D.
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» left by Joel Hendon (1 year 4 days ago.)
Thanks for the comment Linda. Most are very difficult to wake up., sadly.
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» left by Swapna Nanda from India (362 days 16 hours ago.)
Mr. Joel,Thank you for this great article. It is with such ease that you have mentioned a very important thing about our Faith.Regards,SwapnaRespond to this comment
» left by Joel Hendon (362 days 15 hours ago.)
Thank you Swapna, for reading and commenting. It helps make my day.
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