“Watch therefore: for ye know not on what day your Lord cometh. But know this, that if the master of the house had known in what watch the thief was coming, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken through. Therefore be ye also ready; for in an hour that ye think not the Son of man cometh.” (Matthew 24:42-44)
In these verses, Jesus speaks to His disciples about the importance of vigilance and readiness in anticipation of His return. He urges us to watch and be prepared, placing emphasis on the fact that the Son of Man will come at an unexpected hour. These words carry a ageless message that resonates with us today, calling us, as disciples of Christ, to examine our lives and ensure that we are living in readiness for the glorious return of our Lord.
Watchfulness
Jesus tells us to be watchful, to be attentive to the signs and signals of His imminent return. Watching involves being alert and discerning, not becoming complacent or distracted by the cares and distractions of this old and evil world. It is an attitude of constant expectancy, eagerly awaiting the day when our Saviour will come back. As followers of Christ, we are called to fix our gaze on Him, always seeking His guidance and living in alignment with His teachings.
Readiness
Jesus speaks of the need for readiness. We are to be prepared for His coming, ready to meet Him with hearts filled with faith, love, and obedience. This readiness encompasses every aspect of our lives: our thoughts, words, actions, and relationships. It involves living in a way that honours God, reflecting His character and spreading His love to others. Are we prepared to give an account of our lives when He returns? Let us use the time we have been given wisely and purposefully, investing in things that have eternal value, not on things of the world which are impermanent. Remember our Lord’s words in Matthew, “Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon the earth, where moth and rust consume, and where thieves break through and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth consume, and where thieves do not break through nor steal.” (6:19-20)
The Unexpected Hour
Jesus reminds us that the exact timing of His return is unknown to us. He will come when we least expect it, catching many unaware. This truth should motivate us to live with urgency and purpose, not to postpone or neglect our relationship with God. We must resist the temptation to think that we have ample time to grow closer to Him or make amends in our lives. Every day, every moment, is a precious gift, and we should make the most of it, aligning our lives with God’s will and pursuing righteousness. (Matthew 6:33) Living in the light of Christ’s imminent return should fill our hearts with hope and joy. It should invigorate our faith, prompting us to be more intentional in our pursuit of holiness. Let us remember that the Lord’s coming is a promise that will be fulfilled, and it should shape the way we live our lives here on earth.
Are we ready?
Let us recommit ourselves to living in readiness for the Lord’s coming. May we watch with expectation, prepare with a deliberate spirit, and live with a sense of urgency. Let our lives be a testimony of our faith, shining the light of Christ in a world that desperately needs Him. Remember, in such an hour as we think not, the Son of Man will come. Are we ready?
God bless you,
Br. Charles