Matthew 24:36-51 No One Knows That Day and Hour

Over twenty years ago, I bought a book entitled "88 Reasons Why Christ will Return in 88." Well, we are still waiting. It was a foolish book that ignored the Scriptures and I was foolish enough to buy it. I guess I was intrigued by the signs of the times and wanted to make sure I was ready for it. But fixing a date for Christ's return is the most foolish thing one can try. No one knows, not even the angels nor the Son, but the Father only.

To set my expectations right, Jesus compares his coming to the days of Noah. The days of Noah are characterized by eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage. In other words, they were living their lives with no concern for God until the flood hit them. It will be the same for the return of Christ. Most people will not be concerned about God or how to live for him, but will be going about their business in life like usual. 

The most important thing about Christ's return is to be ready for it. Jesus uses the image of a thief breaking into a house. He says that if the owner had known when the thief was going to strike, he would have stayed awake to prevent the break-in. In the same way, I am to be ready for the coming of the Son of Man. Only a few people were ready for the flood in the days of Noah and it will be the same for the return of the Son of Man.

How can I be ready? Using the picture of a servant, Jesus explains how to be ready. To be ready, I must be faithful and wise in the work of the kingdom. The delay of my Master is not an excuse to behave badly - abusing relationships, wasting resources, and being lazy. I must continue to work as if my Master were to return today. I want him to catch me working in his kingdom and not being a sluggard. I can't take his delay as an excuse to do whatever I want.

Lord Jesus, help me to be faithful. Fill my life with a sense of expectation as I live day by day. May I never take your delay as an excuse to behave badly. May I be ready for your return.