I moved into a “smart” home a while ago. It has several features that communicate with my phone to inform me of activities occurring in and around my house. For example, there is a tone that plays when my garage door opens, which tells me my husband has returned from running an errand. There is a different sound when someone is at my front gate and yet another sound, along with camera views, when someone is in my back yard. I know when the garbage collector has unlocked my side gate and when they’ve locked it again.
All these notifications and alarms help me to be ready. My dog and I can greet my husband at the door because we heard the garage door chime. I can make sure my dog is inside the house when the gate is unlocked for the garbage collector. And I can see who is at my front gate before I open it and be ready to welcome visitors or collect a package.
“You also be ready, because the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.” (Luke 12:40, CSB)
There is no alarm for Jesus’s return. As far as I know there will be no warning chime or siren. God hasn’t given me any clues to the exact time or day because it’s not important for me to know.
What is important is to live my life as if His return were imminent. I want Him to be pleased to see me and proud of what I’m doing.
If I expect my husband to return from a trip, I won’t throw out his clothes, change the locks, and get remarried. No, I’ll make sure the groceries are stocked and his bed is ready in case he’s hungry and tired after a long flight. And I’ll be listening for his knock at any time, day or night.
How would I change what I have planned today if I knew Jesus were coming tonight? Would anything change? If so, perhaps I should go ahead and make that change now. Just in case.
Dear God,
I so look forward to your return. It can’t happen soon enough. But I trust that your timing will be perfect. In the meantime, show me what it means to be ready. Teach me how to wait productively so that you are pleased and proud of me when you do return.
CamDevo 