Watching for Christ’s Return

Watching for Christ’s Return (Matthew 24:42-44) 

​Matthew 24:42-44, Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your LORD doth come. 43But know this, that if the goodman of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken up. 44Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.
 
After several days at sea, the captain of a fishing boat was bringing his boat back home. As the boat neared the shore, the men gazed eagerly toward the dock, where a group of their loved ones were waiting. The captain, looking, identified some of the women, saying, "I see Tom’s Angie, Jonathan’s Candace, Caleb’s Grace." One man was very anxious because his wife was not there. He left the boat with a heavy heart and pressed his steps up the hill, where he saw a light in his cottage. As he opened the door, his wife ran to meet him, saying, "I have been waiting for you!" He replied with a proper rebuke, "Yes, but the other men's wives were watching for them."
 
Those who are totally devoted to the Lord look forward to His coming. It could be today. Are you watching for the Lord's return? Watch means to keep awake; to stay alert; to be watchful and sleepless; to be vigilant. It also carries the idea of being motivated, of keeping one's attention or mind upon a thing. Watching also has the idea of being alert at the right time. It is at night that a person really needs to stay awake and watch for the thief (I Thessalonians 5:4-9). I Peter 4:7, But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer. Because He could come at any moment, those who are devoted to the Lord want to be ready for His coming. They don't want to be ashamed when He comes. Until that day, they do their best to serve Him with all their hearts, keep themselves pure, and maintain a right relationship with God and others.
 
God does not operate on our timetable, and Jesus will surely return right on schedule. It is important for us not to be lulled into complacency by the fact that Jesus has not yet returned. Jesus pointed out that such false thinking can quickly lead to bad conduct on our part. Each day of our lives should be filled with a conscious awareness that it may be this day that the Lord returns.
 
This is an exciting time to be a Christian. We might not know the day or the hour of Christ’s return, but we do know it’s going to be soon. As Jesus told His disciples, we need to be watching for His return. We ought to make the most of every opportunity to tell others how they can be saved. And we should be living pure and holy lives so we’re not ashamed when Jesus comes.
 
The Bible is literally being fulfilled before our eyes. That makes me more excited than ever about seeing my Saviour. If we keep eternity in perspective, then we won’t worry as much about things we lack here on Earth. We will resist temptation because we want Christ to find us pure and blameless at His return. An eternal perspective will help us give the Lord the preeminence. Are you ready to meet Jesus? He’s coming sooner than you might think.
 
God doesn’t tell us some things for a reason. He wants us to live each and every day as if that could be the day! Today could be the day. But no one will be able to claim, “I knew it!” We’re all going to be surprised. But not all of us are going to be ready! Are you ready if Christ returns today?  
 
Questions to Consider:
·         Are you watching for the Lord's return?
·         What evidence in my life would demonstrate that I’m OK with Christ coming back today?
·         What, if anything, do I need to set aside as a distraction from expecting Christ’s return? 
 
Points to Ponder:
·         Watch and stay ready for the Lord's return.
·         Keep your eyes open and watch for the signs of Christ's return.
·         Walk, watch, and work faithfully and wisely before the Lord and others.
 
Prayer: LORD, help me to see anything in my life that would keep me from loving Your appearing. And help me to be more purposeful in keeping my relationships right and my attitude fully expectant of Your return. In Jesus name, I pray, Amen.