MAY 10: ALERT

Focal Passage: Matthew 24:36-51

We have a dog at our home named Murphy. He is a sweet dog but full of energy. One of his favorite things to do throughout the day is look out one of our front windows of our house. It looks out to the cul-de-sac and he watches for anything or anyone to come by. When they do, he alerts us with a most intense bark. He thinks it’s his job to let us know any time someone comes near our home. His life goal is to alert us of potential danger. Now, he doesn’t know when someone will come, but he’s ready to let us know when they do. He stays alert. 

This is the call on our lives as believers. We are called to stay alert and be ready because we don’t know when Jesus will come back. In our passage today, Jesus says He is coming again and that truth should shape how we live every day. So, how should we live? In light of this truth what are we called to do? 

First, knowing this truth should shape our priorities. Jesus compares His return to the days of Noah when people were, “eating, drinking, marrying…until the day Noah boarded the ark” (v. 38). Life felt normal, until it wasn’t. They were busy doing their own thing, but they weren’t aware. They were consumed with everyday life and ignored eternal reality.

 Imagine knowing your house was about to be demolished, but you were busy rearranging the furniture. You’re busy but missing what truly matters. So many people in our world are living like this. A good question for us to ask ourselves often is, “What am I prioritizing that won’t matter in eternity? 

 Jesus also says that knowing this reality should sharpen our focus. Verse 42 says, “Therefore, be alert, since you don’t know what day your Lord is coming.” Jesus compares His return to a thief in the night. A thief comes unexpectedly and suddenly. 

Spiritual alertness means living with awareness, not anxiety. It is not a fear-driven life, but a purpose-driven life. Because Jesus is coming back, we need to focus on what matters most. Think about a guard on duty. The guard doesn’t sleep because he knows his role matters. His awareness shapes his behavior. What habits would you change if you truly lived expecting Jesus to return in our lifetime?

This reality also tests our faithfulness. Jesus gives a short and sweet illustration. He contrasts two servants. One is faithful and prepared. The other assumes delay and lives carelessly. The difference in these two servants is all about response. They both know the master is coming, but only one lives like it. 

It’s just like in a workplace where one employee works diligently when the boss is away versus the one who slacks off assuming no one is watching. The question we should ask is, “Am I living faithfully in what God has entrusted to me?

The return of Jesus is not meant to scare us; it’s meant to shape us. We don’t know when He is coming, but we do know he is coming. Knowing that truth should reshape our priorities, sharpen our focus, and call us to live faithfully. We can’t predict the future, but we can live faithful today. B&R

PDFPrint