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
When I was in high school, some college students came to our church youth group and had us act out that we were in a country that persecuted Christians. They chased us in the dark around the church and then brought us into a room and put us under a very bright light. They asked us to prove that we were or were not Christians. It was very frightening. It makes me think of the coming of the Son of Man. Will I be ready? Will I be afraid? Will I try to prove that I am a Christian? No, I will proclaim the name that has saved me from sin and darkness—JESUS. I pray that those around me will be able to say the same, so that not one is left behind. To keep awake and ready, keep your eyes on the prize—JESUS.
Prayer
Loving Lord, without fear we await your coming to take us home to be with you. Until then, may we further your kingdom here on earth. Amen.
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