Readiness for Christ’s Return
OPENING PRAYER:
Heavenly Father, open our hearts and minds to Your Word as we begin this devotional. Help us to understand the urgency of being ready for Christ’s return and to live each day with purpose and intention. Amen.
"Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come. But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what time of night the thief was coming, he would have kept watch and would not have let his house 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."
Matthew 24:42-44 (NIV)
REFLECT:
In this passage, Jesus emphasizes the importance of vigilance and readiness for His return. The imagery of a thief in the night underscores the unexpected nature of His coming. This calls us to live in a state of spiritual alertness, ensuring that our lives reflect our faith and readiness for His return. In Pastor Carter’s message this past weekend, he highlighted the urgency of this readiness, drawing parallels to the unexpected missile alert in Hawaii, which prompted people to focus on what truly mattered. Similarly, we are encouraged to prioritize our relationship with God and others, living each day as if it could be our last.
Theologically, this passage reminds us of the eschatological hope Christians hold—the return of Christ. It challenges us to examine our lives, asking if we are truly prepared for that day. Are we living in a way that honors God and serves others, particularly the least and forgotten? Todd’s message calls us to action, urging us to not be caught off guard but to live with intentionality and purpose.
Personally, this reflection invites us to consider our own readiness. Are we investing our time, talents, and resources in ways that align with God’s kingdom values? Are we nurturing our relationship with God and serving those around us? This is a call to live authentically, demonstrating our faith through our actions and interactions with others.
I WILL STATEMENT:
I will pray, give or take a step towards serving the least and the forgotten in my community.
CLOSING PRAYER:
Lord, thank You for the reminder of the importance of readiness. Help me to live each day with purpose, reflecting Your love and grace to those around me. Guide me as I seek to serve and honor You in all that I do. Amen.