No One Knows When

But concerning that day or that hour, no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Be on guard, keep awake. For you do not know when the time will come.
Mark 13:32-33

There is a classic storyline about a high school student whose parents have gone on a trip. Knowing they will not return for a few days, he decides to throw a party. To his surprise and dismay, his parents return early and arrive home while the party is in full swing.

You see the parallel with the Scripture above. We frequently act like that high school student, throwing parties with the expectation that our Master will not come. Surely there will be time to clean up the mess! After all, we’ve always had time before, why not now?

Jesus is not looking for followers who will hold on to the world as long as possible. He is calling his disciples to let go of the world, to fix their eyes on him, and to always be ready for his return.

What did you do with your last hour? What will you do with your next hour? What will you do tomorrow? Are you on your guard, awake, watching with your lamp full of oil (Matthew 25:1-13)? When Christ returns, will he find you obeying his commands or following the world?

Be on guard. Be awake. Christ will return. I pray that he finds us about his business.