Daily Devotion, October 24, 2020

 

Devotion: Read Matthew 24:36-44.

We have all had experiences that remind us that life can change suddenly: an accident, a storm, a diagnosis, a decision or actions by others. Life can change quickly.

It can also end quickly. We get reminders about that on a regular basis as well. Watch or read the news any hour of any day and we see where somebody died suddenly. We sometimes experience that among our own family and friends.

One of the emphases of the Gospel of Matthew is that life can change suddenly in another way: the return of Jesus Christ to this world. In the days and years after Jesus ascended back to heaven, his return was expected by many in their lifetime. The writer of this Gospel was among them, so he included stories and teaching by Jesus about that issue. This passage is one of those. He lets us know we need not focus on when that will happen (because only God knows) but that we should instead focus on being prepared at all times. How can you be prepared at all times? Stay connected to God through your own personal relationship with Jesus Christ and continue to serve his mission of helping others come to know and serve him. No matter how your life in this world ends, you can always be prepared to go home to God. Personal Worship Option: Some people worry about whether they are ready to meet God. Offer a prayer of thanksgiving to God that you do not have to worry about that because of the gift of God’s forgiveness and grace given by God through Jesus Christ. Receive Christ and share Christ and know you are prepared.