KEEP WATCHING AND BE READY

SCRIPTURE:

“But about that day or hour, no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. 37 As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. 38 For in the days before the flood, people were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, up to the day Noah entered the ark; 39 and they knew nothing about what would happen until the flood came and took them all away. That is how it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. 40 Two men will be in the field; one will be taken and the other left. 41 Two women will be grinding with a hand mill; one will be taken and the other left. 42 “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come. 43 But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what time of night the thief was coming, he would have kept watch and would not have let his house be broken into. 44 So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.”  (Matthew 24:36—44)

OBSERVATION:

         One of the most pondered questions among Christians is the timing of the end of everything. Yet, Jesus’s words are clear and unambiguous, “About that day, or hour, NO ONE KNOWS.” Despite this, many Christians and denominations persist in their attempts to predict this day, often with misguided results. It’s a lesson that, even in the face of countless failed predictions, many Christians have yet to fully grasp. 

         It’s crucial to understand that not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father, holds the knowledge of the end times.  Jesus, being fully aware of God’s plans from the beginning to the end, makes it clear that the timing of the end times is ultimately the Heavenly Father’s decision.  He alone knows the precise day and hour when everything will come to a close. 

         So often, our focus is on the wrong place. The end days should not be my concern, but trusting God’s timing should always be.  I am reminded that I should always be ready at all times, prepare at all times, and obey at all times.  Jesus gave different scenarios of how that day would look like and what would happen, but he didn’t give any time frame nor give any indications that the end times were near. 

         My responsibility is to KEEP WATCH AND BE READY because the Son of man will come at an hour WHEN YOU DO NOT EXPECT HIM.  I learned today that I must be found faithful and always be ready and prepared when Christ will come but not be consumed by trying to predict a day and an hour that he will come.  It is not a matter of whether the end is coming or not, but rather, am I prepared, obedient, and ready to see him?

APPLICATION:

         Sometimes I find myself focusing on the wrong thing, rather than trusting in God’s timing and direction. Today’s reflection has reminded me of the importance of this trust, and to leave what belongs to God in his decisions and timing. This reassures me that I am not alone in this journey, and that I can find peace in surrendering to God’s plan.

PRAYER:

         Jesus, thank you for reminding me to focus on what is necessary rather than on things that only belong to the Father and his timing.  Teach me to trust you and to walk in obedience to the things that matter to you.  I look to you for hope and guidance.  Thank you for your faithfulness and grace in my life.  Amen!