Have you ever seen the bumper sticker that says, “Jesus is coming; look busy!” You may have noticed that, in the workplace, someone suddenly appears busy when the boss enters the room. Today’s reading shows Jesus teaching His disciples about His return. He tells them it won’t be for a long time and that they should remain faithful to His kingdom’s work until He returns. Notice Jesus’s illustration: “Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom his master has set over his household, to give them their food at the proper time? Blessed is that servant whom his master will find so doing when he comes. Truly, I say to you, he will set him over all his possessions. (Matthew 24:45–47, ESV)
Remaining faithful in the work Jesus left for us will be challenged. On the one hand, there will be wars and threats of wars, famines, earthquakes, persecution, and martyrdom (Matthew 24:6-10). On the other hand, the world will be in party mode, going about life as though there is nothing to live for except the next thrill (Matthew 24:37-39). However, one of the biggest challenges to us as believers is verse 11: Sin will be rampant everywhere, and the love of many will grow cold. (Matthew 24:12, NLT) With the world in upheaval yet living for the next “thing,” with sin running rampant, the threat to us is the cooling of our love for our Master and His work.
How do we overcome the cares, pressures, and sins that seek to cool us off? “So you, too, must keep watch! For you don’t know what day your Lord is coming. Understand this: If a homeowner knew exactly when a burglar was coming, he would keep watch and not permit his house to be broken into. You also must be ready all the time, for the Son of Man will come when least expected. (Matthew 24:42–44, NLT) When was the last time we anticipated that today could be the day of Christ’s return?
Thank you for joining me as I read and journal chronologically through the Bible! This devotional reflection comes from Matthew 24.