
Today’s Scripture Reading: Mark 13:32-37, Matthew 24:36-51, Luke 21:34-38, Matthew 25:1-46
Do you have your day planned?
How about your week, month, or year?
I’m definitely one of those planner types. I unconsciously plan. I want to be spontaneous. I think spontaneous people are fun, but not having a plan feels like jumping out of a plane without a parachute to me…and that certainly doesn’t sound like fun.
But there’s one event I can’t plan…
However, no one knows the day or hour when these things will happen, not even the angels in heaven or the Son himself. Only the Father knows.
When the Son of Man returns, it will be like it was in Noah’s day. In those days before the flood, the people were enjoying banquets and parties and weddings right up to the time Noah entered his boat. People didn’t realize what was going to happen until the flood came and swept them all away. That is the way it will be when the Son of Man comes. –Matthew 24:36-39
No one knows the day or hour…
How often do you think about Christ’s return?
Do you really believe He’s going to literally return to judge the world?
Do you live your life as though He could return today?
I think most of us are like the folks Jesus was talking about; our goal is to enjoy life…that’s our plan for our day, week, month, year, and life. We live for the happy times; banquets, parties and weddings…not for eternity.
I do not believe Jesus has a problem with banquets, parties, and weddings; He attended those events when He was on the earth.
His concern is our day-to-day priorities—where does the Kingdom of God fit in our daily life?
Are we longing for His return?
Are we concerned for those in this world who do not know Jesus?
- If we rarely take the time to spend with the Lord in our day-to-day life, we’re probably not longing for His return.
- If we hardly ever mention Jesus to others we’re probably not too concerned about their spiritual state.
Yes, if we knew the day and hour, we could plan for it, we would be ready. Jesus referred to Himself as the bridegroom and the Church as the bride. Other than the birth of a child, I don’t think there is anything most women long for and plan for more than their wedding day. That’s the kind of expectation Jesus wants us to have for His return.
Yes, not knowing the day or hour of Jesus’ return is tough, but if we’re His bride we’ll awaken each day and think, “Today could be the day I will see Him!”
Heavenly Father, help us to see Your return as our reason for being. Help our expectation of your return to grow with each passing day. Holy Spirit, cause our hearts to be tender and burdened for those who do not know You. Jesus, help us to be Your witnesses! Jesus, come today!
In Your Holy Name. Amen and Amen!

© 2012 Dianne Guthmuller
Tomorrow’s Scripture Reading: Mark 14:1-2, Matthew 26:1-5, Luke 22:1-2, Mark 14:10-11, Matthew 26: 14-16, Luke 22:3-6, Mark 14:12-16, Luke 22:3-6, Mark 14:12-16, Matthew 26:17-19, Luke 22:7-13, John 13:1-17, Luke 22:7-13, John 13:1-17, Mark 14:17-26, Matthew 26:20-30, Luke 22:14-30, John 13:18-30