The Latter End Considered
H. W. Beecher. Matthew 24:44 Therefore be you also ready: for in such an hour as you think not the Son of man comes. Why do men refuse to heed the caution, and shrink from contemplations on their latter end. 1. The love of life is a powerful instinct. As men shrink from death by this vital instinct, so the thoughts of it are disagreeable. 2. The sentiments and symbols of men respecting death which have a painful and mischievous effect upon the imagination and feelings. 3. There are reasons which act powerfully from out of the affections, to make men slow to think of death. The mother could think of death except as a separation from her child. 4. Do you fear to come to God because of sin. Christ removes this. The pain of dying is small. We shall enter upon another life divested of the hindrances of this. Why is it not as easy to think of death as a golden gate, as to think of it as a murky gate? (H. W. Beecher.) Parallel Verses KJV: Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh. WEB: Therefore also be ready, for in an hour that you don't expect, the Son of Man will come.