Matthew 24:36-44 (NRSV)
Read Matthew 24:36-44 on biblegateway.com
Verse 36"But about that day and hour no one knows, neither the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Verse 37For as the days of Noah were, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. Verse 38For as in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day Noah entered the ark, Verse 39and they knew nothing until the flood came and swept them all away, so too will be the coming of the Son of Man. Verse 40Then two will be in the field; one will be taken and one will be left. Verse 41Two women will be grinding meal together; one will be taken and one will be left. Verse 42Keep awake therefore, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming. Verse 43But understand this: if the owner of the house had known in what part of the night the thief was coming, he would have stayed awake and would not have let his house be broken into. Verse 44Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an unexpected hour.
Devotion
Years ago my family went to Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, where our friend took us to ride the train. That day rides were free, so it was crowded. When we reached our destination, my 8-year-old son got off first. But the rest of us couldn’t get through the crowd. The door shut, the train left with all of us still on board, and my son was left behind at the station. He is 15 years old now, but he still remembers how terrible and frightening it was to be left behind by his mom. For me, the possibility of not seeing my son again was unbearable.
When our loved ones who trust in Jesus leave us, we are sad. But we do not despair because of the assurance that one day we will meet again at Jesus’ feet. Let us share the good news of salvation, so that no one will be left behind in despair.
Prayer
I pray for friends and family members who have not trusted in Jesus yet and for the opportunity to share the gospel of salvation with them. Amen.