Advent: A Time of Preparation

Scripture:

Matthew 24:36-44"But the exact day and hour? No one knows that, not even heaven's angels, not even the Son. Only the Father knows.

37-39"The Arrival of the Son of Man will take place in times like Noah's. Before the great flood everyone was carrying on as usual, having a good time right up to the day Noah boarded the ark. They knew nothing—until the flood hit and swept everything away.

39-44"The Son of Man's Arrival will be like that: Two men will be working in the field—one will be taken, one left behind; two women will be grinding at the mill—one will be taken, one left behind. So stay awake, alert. You have no idea what day your Master will show up. But you do know this: You know that if the homeowner had known what time of night the burglar would arrive, he would have been there with his dogs to prevent the break-in. Be vigilant just like that. You have no idea when the Son of Man is going to show up.

Observation:

In this passage, Jesus is describing for his disciples what the second coming will be like. He is warning them that there are a great many people who will claim to know the date and time but no one does except for the Father. He is also urging them to stay vigilant and prepared for the time. You don't know when, but you do know that it is going to happen and here he is warning them and us to stay prepared.

Application:

As we enter into this time of Advent (a time of preparation for the birth of Christ), Christians should also be taking inventory of our lives and asking the question are we ready for the second coming of Christ. We don't know when it is and that not knowing leads to complacent living. It's not something we think about on a day to day basis. We go on with our lives and give very little thought to the Words of Christ.

So, this morning I am writing on my bathroom mirror in dry erase marker the following question: "What if Christ came back today, would I be ready?" By reminding myself of that question, I hope to become more aware of what I do, how I do it, and to make sure it brings glory to Christ.

Prayer:

Dear Lord, help me to live life to the fullest for your glory. All to often we get so self centered on what is best for us and we begin to make decisions and that are not the ones you would have us to make. We begin living our lives for ourselves and not for you. Pour out your Holy Spirit upon and give us the stength, passion and desire to be prepared for your return. In Christ. Amen