I am sure of this, that he who started a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. (Philippians 1:6)
Those of us reading the Everyday Gospel have been reading through the prophets for most of the last two months. While I really don’t understand much of what I have read, and often wonder if the prophecies have already been fulfilled, or are yet to be fulfilled, or both, there is a clear message. God does not overlook disobedience; wickedness has severe consequences. However, the time of punishment is followed by a time of restoration and renewal, where God brings blessings and dwells with his people. This is the “day of the Lord.” This phrase occurs over 100 times in the prophetic books that we have been reading.
Paul refers to the “day of Christ Jesus” in Philippians 1:6. It the same as the “day of the Lord” that the prophets anticipate. It’s been a long time since Jesus rose and ascended, and it seems that our world will continue on, with both its wonders and its problems. But the Bible tells us that there will be an end, when Jesus returns – the day of Christ Jesus.
As a result, we have a limited time to do his work – to fulfill the great commission of making disciples of all nations, baptizing them, and teaching them to observe all of Jesus’ commands. (Matt 18:19-20) Jesus has given us his Holy Spirit, so that we are able to do this work. Our time is limited; we can’t waste it (Eph. 5:15).