Are You Ready?

Daily Reading: Matthew 24

Scripture Focus: Therefore, stay awake, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming... Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect. (Matthew 24.42, 44)

Devotional Thought: There are many diverging interpretations of the events Jesus speaks about in Matthew 24.  But, the message is clear: Be ready!  I once had a college professor tell me that second coming theology boils down to this: “Jesus is coming.  I better be ready!”

The big question then is this: “How can I be ready?”  As Jesus told the disciples, we must keep watch:

·       We must keep watch over the developing situations of the world.  We cannot put our heads in the sand and ignore what is happening around us.  The “increase of wickedness”, the “love of many growing cold”, the “false prophets” teaching things that are antithetical to the Bible.  All these things serve to remind us that Jesus’ return is near.

·       We must keep watch, therefore, over our souls.  We cannot afford to let down our guard, to embrace the false values of this age – for even a moment!  In these “last days” spiritual disciplines have fallen on hard times.  We are careless in the care of our souls.  However, in this day of increasing evil, we must give attention not just to the state, but also to the state of our souls.

·       Finally, we must keep watch over the souls of our family, fellow Christians, friends, and neighbors.  What are we doing to “give them their food at the proper time” (v. 45)?  What are we doing to ensure that the lost hear the message, to support the discouraged, struggling Christian, to teach the next generation the Truth?

Jesus is coming!  Are you ready?  Are you keeping watch?

Prayer: Thank you, Lord Jesus, for the promise of your return.  And, though I may not have all the symbolism and timing figured out, I can be ready by trusting in you, and you alone, for salvation.  Help me to keep watch!  Amen.

Psalm of the Day: Psalm 89.19-26

19 Of old you spoke in a vision to your godly one, and said: "I have granted help to one who is mighty; I have exalted one chosen from the people.

20 I have found David, my servant; with my holy oil I have anointed him,

21 so that my hand shall be established with him; my arm also shall strengthen him.

22 The enemy shall not outwit him; the wicked shall not humble him.

23 I will crush his foes before him and strike down those who hate him.

24 My faithfulness and my steadfast love shall be with him, and in my name shall his horn be exalted.

25 I will set his hand on the sea and his right hand on the rivers.

26 He shall cry to me, 'You are my Father, my God, and the Rock of my salvation.'