Be on the Alert

Note from today’s Bible reading: Matthew 24

After telling His disciples of the signs that would warn them of the impending destruction of Jerusalem (Matthew 24:4-35), Jesus told them of another day for which there would be no signs to announce its coming. As He would continue to explain into the next chapter, this day would be when the Lord returns at the end of the world to judge the nations (Matthew 25:31-33).

Regarding this final day of judgment, Jesus said, “Therefore be on the alert, for you do not know which day your Lord is coming” (Matthew 24:42). He wants His disciples to always be ready because He will return “at an hour when [we] do not think He will” (Matthew 24:44).

Many want to make predictions about when the Lord will return to judge the world. However, Jesus said, “But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father alone” (Matthew 24:36). He compared it to the flood in Noah’s day which came with no signs except the preaching of Noah and the preparation of his family (Matthew 24:37-39). The only “signs” that will precede the return of Christ and the final judgment of the world will be the preaching of the gospel and preparations being made by Christians to stand before the Lord in judgment.

So be on the alert. Rather than looking for signs to indicate that the end is coming, let us be ready at all times. The Lord is coming back to reward the faithful, so let us make sure we are among that number.