Advent-Christmas Devotions
Saturday, November 29
Matthew 24:36-44
[Jesus said to the disciples,] 36 “About that day and hour no one knows, neither the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. 37 For as the days of Noah were, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. 38 For as in the days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day Noah entered the ark, 39 and they knew nothing until the flood came and swept them all away, so, too, will be the coming of the Son of Man. 40 Then two will be in the field; one will be taken, and one will be left. 41 Two women will be grinding meal together; one will be taken, and one will be left. 42 Keep awake, therefore, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming. 43 But 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. 44 Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.”
“… 36 “About that day and hour no one knows, neither the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father …”
Throughout the centuries, there has been much speculation about the second coming of our Lord. Many have issued proclamations, predictions, and prognostications, but all have failed to discern that final day – some with tragic results. However, as Jesus tells us, no one – not the angels nor the Son knows – only the Father. In other words, those who claim to have the inside track are equating themselves with God.
That is why such speculation is futile and useless. Rather than trying to figure out when Jesus is returning, we should be seeking to discern how to best live in the world in the present time. Certainly, there is enough in the Scriptures and in the teachings of Jesus to help us along that path. Rather than trying to get a leg up on the future, living in the present while honoring the past seems to be our best bet.
Of course, that doesn’t mean we neglect the future. Jesus himself encourages his followers to consider that to which God is calling them. He reminds us to discern God’s will and seek to fulfill it now and into the future. To not do so is to be like builder who begins to build prior to figuring out the cost. Just don’t get so caught up in your plans that you neglect or ignore God’s plan.
Trying to determine when Jesus will return is futile thinking. Instead, look to what God is accomplishing now, in the present, and to what God is calling you in the days to come.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, who can know the day of Your coming? Obviously, not me! Help me to discern Your way for me in the present and guide me with Your will as I journey forward into the future You have prepared for me. Amen.