Scripture:
Matthew 24:42-44
Therefore, keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come. But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what time of night the thief was coming,
he would have kept watch and would not have let his house be broken into. So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.
Reflection:
I used to work with high school aged special needs students. One particular student, Jon, used to talk to me about Jesus. Because Jon was autistic, he often asked me the same questions every day, and one of the questions he’d ask had to do with Jesus’ second coming. He’d point to the sky and say, “Miss Mary, when is HE coming back?”
I would tell Jon that no one knew when Jesus was returning, but that we always needed to be ready because He could come at any time. And Jon would always reply with, “But I’m ready NOW!” I think about this a lot. We should all be ready the way Jon is. I often think I am, but then at other times, I’m not so sure. I constantly have to ask myself if I am doing the work the Master asks of his servants. Am I living as though Jesus is truly the Lord of my life? Am I waiting in joyful expectancy for His return?
To me, one of the scariest thoughts is to hear Jesus say, “I never knew you; away from me!” (Matt.7:23) Instead I want to hear Him say “Well done, good and faithful servant”(Matt.25:23).
Reflection Written by Mary Smith
Prayer:
“Heavenly Father, I thank You that at His first coming, Jesus came and died, so that I might have forgiveness and eternal life by receiving Him. As I prepare for His second coming in power and glory, enable me to become the person You want me to be. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit, so that I might become more holy, more godly, more at peace with You as I live for You in Your world. Fill me with Your love, so that I might be motivated and empowered by Your Spirit to live the life, to talk the talk and to walk the walk You want me to. Enable me by Your Spirit to help others come to repentance and faith in You, so that they too might be ready for His coming in glory.
In Jesus's name, we pray, Amen.
(Prayer by Jim Holbeck)
Please take a moment to consider what God is speaking to you through the scripture passage and the devotional reflection.
Then, take some time for prayer—pray for your own soul, and lift up the VanHouten Family. May God’s consoling Spirit embrace them all.
You can also listen to the music provided below as a backdrop
for your time of prayer.
Even So Come by Chris Tomlin/Passion