No one knows when that day and hour will come—neither the angels in heaven nor the Son; the Father alone knows. The coming of the Son of Man will be like what happened in the time of Noah. ... Watch out, then, because you do not know what day your Lord will come. [Matthew 24:36,37,42 GNT]
At the end of the last century there were many predictions of rapture and judgment day.
Many responded then with this passage saying that no one knows the day.
Even so, I think that the greater message is how we may meet God when we least expect it.
In referencing the times of Noah our Lord speaks to the condition of humanity.
In Genesis we read that humans had grieved him to his heart.
The message to me is that God is affected by our actions.
Noah found favor in the eyes of the Lord and was saved from the floodwaters.
He was prepared because he paid attention to the voice of the Spirit.
The Ark he built speaks volumes to me about being prepared when I meet God.
I think that Jesus' message in this passage is all about staying awake spiritually.
His central message is that any day could be our last - we may die sooner than we think.
In light of this we must purpose to live in ways that are pleasing to God.
I confess that I am weak Lord. Help me to be ready and to honor you in everything I do.
... this devotion is part of the Red Letters series. Click here to read more.
Oh I look and long for THAT day. I've always felt I would be living to see His return, even as a brand new baby in Christ in my early 20's. I still feel that way today, but whether I go in the rapture or before I just long to be with HIM.
ReplyDeleteLove and long at the thought of His coming...Today would be OK!
ReplyDeleteI am convinced the Lord deliberately did not tell us when so we would always live with the expectation of His coming.
ReplyDeleteEven so come Lord Jesus.