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
People have been predicting the end of the world for many years, and Christians have been predicting the coming of the Son of Man as well—even though the Bible clearly states that no one knows the day or the hour. Speculation regarding the time of the Second Coming could be considered false testimony against our all-knowing God. It is not our duty to speculate, but to prepare, wait, and watch. In our suffering and strife, we look and long for the release that the coming of the Lord would bring. We have a warning here—not to get too caught up in this world that we forget about eternity, not to get too distracted from remembering that there is a God of love and judgment who holds all things in God’s hands. Come morning, noon or night, may God find us ready, willing, and able.
Prayer
All knowing God, in this world of fear and confusion, keep us close to your word that is our lifeline, anchor, and salvation. Amen.
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