“Be therefore ready also: for the Son of man comes at the hour when you think not,” Luke 12:40.
The word ‘today’ really means to be prepared mentally and physically for actions and experiences from God.
Jesus repeatedly said He [Christ] would leave this world, but He would return at some future time.
“Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in me, in my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there you may be also. And whither I go you know, and the way you know,” John 14: 1-3.
He also said a Kingdom is being prepared for His followers, the people of God. A heavenly, idealized, spiritual Kingdom, a restored earthly Kingdom.
Christ’s return at an unexpected time is not a trap where God hopes to catch us off guard. God is delaying Christ’s return so more people will have a better chance to follow Christ.
The Lord does not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is long suffering to us, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9, KJV).
The Lord isn’t slow about keeping his promises, as some people think he is. In fact, God is patient, because he wants everyone to turn from sin and no one to be lost (2 Peter 3:9, IEV).
During this time before His return, we have the opportunity to live out our belief and to reflect Jesus’ love as we relate to other people who are ready for the Lord’s return. In today’s key verse, why did Jesus say “be ready” instead of “get ready”?
Because, we will not be able to get ready at the time Jesus comes. His coming will be as sudden as a flash of lightning.
“For as the Lightning comes out of the east, and shines even unto the west; so shall also the coming of the Son of Man be,” Matthew 24:27.
So there will be no time to make any preparation.
We are moving away from fearful—be ready to witness, not more anxious, but trusting; no more greed, but generous giving; no more hate, but love. We are growing more like Christ, so when He comes we will be ready to greet him joyfully.
What can we do to be ready? Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ. Repent and confess all your sins, and believe that the blood of Christ cleans us from all unrighteousness.
Make up your mind to live a holy life and follow him all the way. Jesus promises a reward for those who have been faithful to him. This is why we must be focused on God’s agenda so that we can have a clear directive. We need to move toward God before the coming of the Lord. Lord give it to me now!
