Dave's Diary

Daily Reading: Matthew 24:36-51

Scripture is very clear about particular aspects of the End of the Age. One of these is that, at a particular moment in human history, Christ will return to judge the world in righteousness and truth and to inaugurate the perfection of the Kingdom of God in the recreated “new heavens and new earth”. Another certainty is the statement found in Matthew 24:36

 ‘But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.’

Why would that be? Why would the day of His return be such a closely guarded secret? Our reading today gives a very straightforward answer: It is to help us to stay constantly faithful to Him. And remember that faithfulness to Jesus is fullness of life. This is for our good … not to spoil our fun!

Jesus’ return will happen suddenly. For most it will happen at the moment of death. For relatively few it will happen before they die and they will experience His return from this side of the grave. But because no one knows when it will be, we all need to be alert and live as though it is happening today. We are to be ready at all times to receive Him with joy. Therefore we are not to mess around with His holy Kingdom. We are to stay focussed and faithful. Focussed on bringing delight to our Lord by being faithful to the tasks to which He has called us. More on that tomorrow…

Holy Spirit, help me to live this day in a way that will delight my Lord and Saviour and that will show me to be His faithful servant. Amen.