Matthew 24:40-44

Matthew 24:40-44

At that time, two will be in the field.  On is being brought along and one is being left behind.  Two while grinding in a mill.  One is being brought along and one is being left behind.  Therefore be vigilant, because you all do not know what day your Lord comes.  And you all do know that if the master of the house had known which watch the thief comes, he was vigilant and not permit him to break into his house.  Because of this, be ready, you all, since you do not know the hour the Son of Man comes.

Thoughts for Today

First Thought:

Jesus reminds us about surprise.  The ones in the field are just going about their life when Christ brings one to Him and leaves another behind.  The ones grinding at the mill are likewise just going about their daily life when Christ comes and brings one along with Him and leaves another behind.  Neither of them knew what was upon then, just like the owner of the house doesn’t know when his house will get broken into.  We will be surprised.  We can know the season, but we cannot know the day.  We can recognize the signs of its coming, but we cannot know just how much time remains.  It will be a surprise to all of us.

How does the surprise sit with you?  Do you like the fact that you cannot know the exact moment of Christ’s return?

Second Thought:

Jesus’ parable with respect to the owner of the house is about preparation.  Thieves don’t usually send you a warning that they are thinking of breaking into your house, so it is important to be ready.  In the same way, none of us know when Jesus is going to return.  We know that it is coming, but we don’t know how much time is left.  Therefore it is important to prepare and be ready.

Are you prepared for the return of Jesus?  How do you know?  What can you do to continue your preparation?

Third Thought:

There is a subtle undertone in this passage that quite frankly often gets missed.  What this passage is really about is value.  A homeowner who values his home takes precautions to keep what he values safe.  We know what we value by what we take time in our life to preserve.  Each of us should be able to look into our life and honestly ask what we are trying to preserve.  That will tell us what we really value.  To say we value something but give it no attempt at preservation is simply lip service to what we know should be important but not actually value.

Are you trying to preserve eternity for yourself?  How does the way you live your life in a way that demonstrates the preservation of eternity? 

Passage for Tomorrow: Matthew 24:45-51