It’s always the same. Until the last time, when it wasn’t. You see, here’s how it typically works. I’m a tidy person—not overly fastidious, but tidy. There’s a place for everything; everything in its place. However, whenever Sue Ellen leaves town for a few days, that’s not necessarily the case. Thankfully, I can count on getting a phone call to let me know she’s on her way home. That phone call, of course, is my cue to wash the dishes, make the bed, and generally make the house the way she left it. Then, I’m ready for her return. Except last week she didn’t call! I’m standing in the kitchen and just happen to see her vehicle coming up the driveway. There was no time and nothing I could do. There was no way I could clean up the mess I had made and prepare for her return. It was too late.
In Matthew 24, it is recorded that Jesus exhorts the disciples to “be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect” (v. 44). He explains that the faithful and wise servant is the one whom the master will find doing the work to which he was called. In chapter 25, He tells a couple of parables to further drive home the need to continue in faithful service in anticipation and expectation of His return. To be ready…watching…waiting.
John 14:2-3 Jesus tells His disciples, “In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.”
Jesus is coming again. Are you ready?
The hymn writer, Lelia Naylor Morris, penned the following words:
Faithful and true would He find us here If He should come today?
Watching in gladness and not in fear
If He should come today?
Signs of His coming multiply, Morning light breaks in eastern sky: Watch for the time is drawing nigh— What if it were today?