Matthew 24:36-44 (NRSV)
Read Matthew 24:36-44 on biblegateway.com
Verse 36"But about that day and hour no one knows, neither the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Verse 37For as the days of Noah were, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. Verse 38For as in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day Noah entered the ark, Verse 39and they knew nothing until the flood came and swept them all away, so too will be the coming of the Son of Man. Verse 40Then two will be in the field; one will be taken and one will be left. Verse 41Two women will be grinding meal together; one will be taken and one will be left. Verse 42Keep awake therefore, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming. Verse 43But understand this: if the owner of the house had known in what part of the night the thief was coming, he would have stayed awake and would not have let his house be broken into. Verse 44Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an unexpected hour.
Devotion
I have been doing this pastor thing for quite a few years now, and honestly, I read these words from Jesus and I fail to hear good news. "For as the days of Noah were…."; "….one will be taken and one will be left." And finally the image of a thief breaking into your home at night. I am pretty sure I don't get it. But what I keep coming back to is the word "unexpected." I don't believe I know how to get ready for the unexpected.
But this I do know. Our grandsons love their grandmother. They love it when she comes to visit, unexpected or not. So it is not about when she comes; it is about the fact that she comes. So the truth is they are ready for her to come at anytime. Because they love their grandmother.
That's the point of this gospel reading too.
Prayer
Be near me, Lord Jesus; I ask thee to stay close by me forever and love me, I pray. Bless all the dear children in thy tender care, and take us to heaven to live with thee there. Amen.