“But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what hour the thief was coming, he would not have let his house be broken into. You also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.” Luke 12:39-40
Jesus says that we will not know the time of His return, not to keep information from us, but because that is God’s plan. Just before returning to heaven He tells His disciples “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” (Acts 1:7-8). In this lesson He tells us that we must be ready all the time for the coming of the kingdom.
God made us and knows that we are prone to wander off in search of our own desires. That is why He says we must always be ready, to keep us mindful of our blessing and our responsibility to be His witnesses. When we put God’s will ahead of our own, we are always ready.
Jesus wants us to know the joy of the same relationship He has with God, and to inherit the kingdom with Him. All of His lessons point us toward God’s plan for us, and help us focus on our response to God’s love. May we all be ready for that wonderful time when we know Him face to face!
Loving Lord, our will is weak and susceptible to falling away. Keep us in Your care, that we may follow You faithfully and be ready to welcome You when You return. Amen.