Matthew 24
Scripture
Matthew 24:42-44
“So you, too, must keep watch! For you don’t know what day your Lord is coming. Understand this: If a homeowner knew exactly when a burglar was coming, he would keep watch and not permit his house to be broken into. You also must be ready all the time, for the Son of Man will come when least expected.”
Observation-What does it say?
Jesus is speaking with His disciples regarding the end times. Jesus tells His disciples all the signs to look out for during this time period. The rumors and threats of war, false prophets and false messiah's, famines and earthquakes, the persecution of His disciples, the sun will be darkened, the moon will give no light, the stars will fall from the sky, and the total destruction and anguish that will surround them. But Jesus tells them not to worry. For all these things must come to pass in order for the Son of Man to return. So Jesus reminds them all to be on the lookout for these things, and most of all to be prepared.
Understanding-What does it mean?
Are we ready for Christ's return?
I think that it's the boy scouts that have the motto to "be prepared". And as Christ Followers Jesus urges us to take on that same mindset. The future that Jesus describes to His disciples can be a very scary thought...for those who are unsaved. But for those of us who have that relationship with Jesus, it should give us a sense of urgency in our lives. A sense that our Master is coming back, and we have to get His house in order and have it ready for Him when He does return. Unfortunately, many of us are procrastinators. We tend to like to wait till the last minute. But the Bible tells us that tomorrow is not guaranteed.
“Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring.” Proverbs 27:1 NIV
“Look here, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we are going to a certain town and will stay there a year. We will do business there and make a profit.” How do you know what your life will be like tomorrow? Your life is like the morning fog—it’s here a little while, then it’s gone.” James 4:13-14 NLT
So we as Christ Followers need to go out in this world with a purpose...with a sense of urgency! Because the things that Daniel prophesied about and Jesus spoke of in this passage are coming. We need to do our part and help save those around us from the wrath and destruction that is heading their way.
Life Application
Be more purposeful with people I come into contact with in life. Continue to pray, invest, and invite these people into a relationship with Jesus.
Father God, help me to be more purposeful in building Your Kingdom. Help me to move with a sense of urgency. Open up my eyes, ears, and heart in the direction You want me to move today. Give me the passion and the words to speak into these people's lives that will reveal Your love for them. In Your Holy name Jesus, Amen.