The return of the King comes unexpectedly!
“You also be ready, because the Son of Man is coming at an hour when you are not expecting him.” (Luke 12:40)
At 1:45 a.m. on Nov. 27, a thief is going to break into your house. Imagine getting this text message on Nov. 20, seven days before the thief will arrive. What would you do? Would you be awake and ready to call the police at 1:45 a.m. on Nov. 27? If you are like me, you might think the message was a prank or a glitch.
I would probably go to sleep like every night before. Then shock of all shock, when you wake up on Nov. 27 at your normal time, your house has been ransacked! Hindsight is 20/20. If only we had taken the warning seriously, our house would not have been broken into and all our possessions would be safe.
Similarly, we should be ready for the King to return. Jesus gives us a warning message to be ready for his return. Although he does not give the date and time, it will happen. Do not ignore or take for granted his warning to be ready. If you become distracted or ignore his warning, he will come, and it will be too late. You will not be given a second chance. It could happen today, tomorrow, or in a thousand years. Do not let the devil trick you into becoming lazy and complacent like the rest of the world.
How can you make sure you are ready for the return of the King?
Remember who the King is and what he has done for you! Jesus, your King, has conquered the enemies of sin, death, and the devil when he went to war with them on the cross. He won that victory for you. When you remember and dwell on his victory, it prepares you to be ready for his return at an unexpected time. He will keep you ready for the day he will bring you into his eternal dwelling.
Where do you learn about the King? His Word. Let his word dwell in you richly and you will not be taken by surprise.
Prayer: Almighty King, keep us ready for your return so that we do not become distracted by the things of this world. Help us remain in your Word and remember what you have already done for us. In your name we pray. Amen!