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
Many people in the western world believe that history is humanly determined. To them, these words of Jesus are unbelievable. After all, 2000 years have passed since he spoke them. He has not returned. Nor has the world come to an end.
Other folks read the warning signs earlier in chapter 24 and read we are nearing the wrap-up of human history. They are worried that loved ones will be left behind when Jesus returns.
Others of us are getting old enough to think that Jesus will come for us at death rather than to appear in glory in the clouds. Christians have always waited for their Lord to come for them.
It may be tempting to write a successor to The Late Great Planet Earth, but will you have time to spend the money? Only God knows.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, when will the Father send you to take us to be with the saints? Whenever, however it will happen, we await it with joy. Amen.