DEVOTION – DAY 548

Matthew 24:42-44 “Jesus Is Coming Back”

Matthew 24:42-44 “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come. But understand this: if the owner of the hosue had known at what time of the night the thief was coming, he would have kept watch and would not have let his house to be broken into. So, you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect Him.”

In Matthew 24:36-50, Jesus taught His disciples about the end times. He revealed that His second coming ie. the time when He will return to reign and rule will be unexpected. So, beginning in v42, Jesus reminded His disciples and also us, that vigilance is the most important thing for Christians. Because the time and day of Jesus’ return is unknown, we are live in expectancy of His imminent return. We are to be fruitful in the way we serve Him and must be ready (v44). The world we live in is largely ignorant that Jesus will return at any time, but Christians have been forewarned that Jesus Christ will return in glory to reign, rule and judge. He will right all wrongs. Thus, whilst there is still time before His return, Christians are to tell people about the love of Christ, and to offer them God’s free gift of salvation from the penalty of their sins through belief in Jesus Christ. By doing so, unbelievers will not have to face God’s wrath when Jesus Christ returns. 

Today, many believe we are living in the end times. Global warming has created havoc in extremes in weather patterns. There seems to be more earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and typhoons than before. The world is in the midst of a global trade war triggered by the US president who is unpredictable. Christianity is waning in many Western nations, but it is gaining many new converts in places like Africa, Asia and West Asia. Islam is also gaining converts in Europe showing that Satan continues to oppose the work of God in this world. Jesus already warned that all these are just like birth pangs foretelling the imminent arrival of a newborn baby. In the same way, wars, rumors of wars, global tensions, natural disasters are all signs that Christ is coming back.

The question we should all ask is, are you and I ready for His return? How fruitful are we, whilst we await His return? We know of people who are busy sharing the gospel to people in their lives whether it is at the workplace or amongst friends and family members. We know of people who are active in teaching the Bible to others. They want to be ready for Christ’ return. Are you?

Let us pray: Heavenly Father, thank you for telling us ahead that Christ will return one day to reign and to rule. Please help us to remain vigilant and fruitful so that we will always be prepared for His return. We pray this in the most precious name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

Questions

  1. Are you ready for Jesus Christ imminent return? In what ways are you ready?
  2. How have you been actively serving Him even as you await His return?
  3. Why is it important to be ready for Jesus Christ’s return?
  4. What will happen to people who are not ready, or do not have a relationship with Jesus when He returns? Read Matthew 24:36-50; Matthew 25:1-30.