Watch!

The last several Sundays before Advent focus on the end times: Judgment Day, Jesus’ return, etc,

These are things we think about only abstractly. That is to say, we don’t really think about them and, when we do, we do so only as something more theoretical instead of something that could actually happen in our lifetime.

When Jesus tells us to “watch” and “be ready” we smile and nod as if to say, “yes” but our action belie the truth in our heart: we’ll play the odds that it’s not happening while we’re around, so we don’t really need to head this warning.

But the fact is, Jesus could indeed return during our lifetime and His commands to be ready actually apply to us. Now. Today.

But it goes deeper than that. We get lax, not only in our preparation for Jesus’ return, but we are lax in all of our sanctified, obedient living! We take much of the way we live in a way that communicates to ourselves and others: godly living can wait. I don’t need to really worship weekly. I don’t need to be in Bible studies. I don’t need to be in the Word daily. I don’t need to love or help that annoying person today. Mañana is good enough. There is always tomorrow to head His warning and living in Him. I’ve got enough other things to do today.

Not an option for the Christian; for the end times or today! “WATCH!” Now! Today! Everyday! You and I are followers now; today; everyday! Let’s live like it. Live in Him like there truly may be no tomorrow. Because there truly may not be. But every day, there is His love, grace, forgiveness, and life. And that reality is what motivates us to live in His calling. Now. Today. Everyday.

Come, Lord Jesus! Come!

SCRIPTURES

• Matthew 25:1-13