Our scripture this morning is Matthew 24:42 (NASB1995).
Therefore be on the alert, for you do not know which day your Lord is coming.
Jesus wants us to know that He will return for us when the Father sends Him. However, we can’t predict or discover when that will be. Just a few verses earlier Jesus says “But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father alone” (Matthew 24:36). We hear a similar warning in Luke 21:36 “But keep on the alert at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that are about to take place, and to stand before the Son of Man.” The important part is that we are always ready for Christ’s return, loving one another and spreading the Gospel. If we take time to “figure out when He’s coming” we are missing opportunities to share His love. Jesus tells us He has a much better task for us: “It is not for you to know times or epochs which the Father has fixed by His own authority; but you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth” (Acts 1:7-8 ).
Heavenly Father, we are sorry for the times we want to know things, but don’t do the things You have asked of us. Forgive us and send us to share Your love and the joy of Christ’s coming return with all the world. Amen.
