Scripture
Matthew 24:42 Watch therefore, for you do not know what hour your Lord is coming.
1Timothy 4:1,2 I charge you therefore before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who will judge the living and the dead at His appearing and His kingdom: Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching.
Matthew 6:19-21 Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
Thought for Today
The term “preparedness” is often used to describe a lifestyle wholly devoted to attaining and storing extra resources in the event of a disaster. The trend increased during the COVID 19 pandemic, as millions hoarded supplies for fear they would run out. According to a 2020 preparedness survey conducted by The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the pandemic changed the very culture of this country.
For instance, 65% of Americans reported they searched the FEMA website for preparedness information. A total of 81% of report they gather extra supplies, and 48% created emergency plans for their families; a 6% increase in one year.
Not everyone that stocks up on extra supplies does so out of panic or fear. Yet there are millions who become obsessed with being ready for whatever may happen on earth in the future. Does that leave room to depend on God or to get ready for the coming of His Son, Jesus?
Christians are blessed with the spirit of a sound mind and wisdom from God, which ensures they keep track of the things needed for their families (James 1:5, Proverbs 2:6). But never do we allow terror to move us to stockpile food, weapons, or other items. We do not panic or become anxious because we trust God, who supplies our needs (Philippians 4:19). Instead, our concentration is to attain and keep ourselves in a constant state of readiness for the second coming of the Lord Jesus Christ.
The scriptures affirm that Jesus will return for the Church, which is the Body of Christ. No man knows the day or the hour, yet we never doubt His return. As members of that Body, we are likened to a bride (1 Corinthians 11:4, Revelation 21:9-11). Love for Him prevents us taking a risk of being less than totally adorned and prepared to meet the Lamb who was arrested, beaten, tried, and crucified for our salvation.
The Holy Scriptures leave no stone unturned in equipping us how to prepare for His coming. Therefore, we don’t need to rush manically to get ready to meet him, the instructions are clear. The Word tells us to remain sober, watchful at all times. Always alert, we must stay always ready to fight against the wiles of the devil. Abiding in His Word, we maintain a readiness posture as we seek ways to share the Gospel of peace. The Word teaches us how to persuade, admonish, and encourage at a moment’s notice and live a life filled with constant prayer, service, and learning. A life filled with peace and good works has more value than a cache of temporal earthly riches.
You don’t know how much time on earth is left between finishing reading this devotional and being in the presence of the Lord Jesus. Why not choose to get ready and stay ready until you see Him face to face?
“But the end of all things is at hand; therefore be serious and watchful in your prayers.”
1 Peter 4:7
Time to Pray!
Lord God, thank You for the privilege of being a part of the Body of Christ. Help us to remember to live as You instruct us so that others will desire the same hope that we have. We praise you in the name of Jesus. Amen
