“Be Ye Also Ready”

Sunday, March 10, 2019

by Dr. Paul Chappell

“Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come. But know this, that if the goodman of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken up. Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.”

Matthew 24:42–44

When Jesus wanted an illustration to teach about His return, He used the example of a thief who sneaks into a house at a time when the homeowner is not on guard. Of course, in our day many people have electronic alarm systems, some with cameras which record everything that goes on whether we are home or not. Even those who can’t afford that find creative ways to protect their lives and possessions. I read about one family that was worried after some burglaries in their neighborhood but didn’t have the money for an alarm system. They left this note on the door: “Nancy, don’t come in. The snakes are loose. Mom.” They were never robbed!

The Second Coming is very different in its intent than a robbery, but it is shares the condition of being unexpected. Staying alert to thieves involves trying to prevent something bad from happening. Staying alert for the Lord’s return is preparing for something wonderful to happen. Both require paying attention and preparing. There should never be a day when we do not expect the Lord to come back, and are not prepared to meet Him.

There are many people who have set various dates for Christ’s return, while others are looking for specific signs to alert them to that blessed event. But Jesus told us that it is not God’s plan for us to know the date, but instead to prepare. “But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only” (Matthew 24:36).

Today's Growth Principle: 

Those who are not expecting Christ’s return will be ashamed when they see Him.