Read: Matthew 24:36-42
Our present home was vacant for two years prior to our purchasing it. As with anything that goes unattended for that length of time, changes take place below the surface that are undetectable. Oftentimes, it is not until being put into use that the defect is found. Such was the case with our smoke detector system. About a week after settling into our humble abode, the smoke detector sounded an alarm in the middle of the afternoon. It lasted about fifteen seconds, just long enough to startle everyone. We searched throughout the premises to see where the problem was and found nothing. Around bedtime, days later, the same thing happened. Once again, we followed the routine to search out the problem and once again, found nothing. However, the uncertainty of not knowing when the alarm would sound again kept us on guard. Months passed, and there were no further episodes of false alarms. We thoroughly checked the system and finally passed it off as a detector bothered by having been aroused from two years of sleep. We were able to relax and continue our normal routines. Soon the whole experience was put behind us.
Approximately one year later, our smoke detector awakened us at three in the morning. Although we knew that this was more than likely a repeat of former days, it was still a very frightening experience. Having been startled from sleep by the alarm, my heart was racing and my thoughts, at first, were confused. Even though I knew that this was probably a false alarm, I was in a panic. I scrambled from the bed to get to the kids, wanting to calm any fears that they might have about what was happening. This episode rekindled all the memories that we had so easily forgotten.
Just after giving our life to Christ, most Christians constantly had our thoughts on the Lord. Jesus' words in Matthew 24 sounded an alarm within us that planted a sense of urgency in our hearts. Daily we busied ourselves with Kingdom activities. We shared the Gospel with unsaved friends and relatives whenever we had a chance. We told and retold our experiences of God's goodness to our Christian brothers and sisters. Scriptures saturated our conversations, filling them with hope and encouragement. We took Christ's words seriously about keeping watch and longed for His return.
Time has worn on, and the journey has became routine for the Body of Christ, however. We are not keeping watch anymore and have relaxed our guard. We have passed off the promises of Christ's soon return as a false alarm that keeps sounding but produces nothing. We have relaxed into our normal routines and have put behind us the whole matter of staying alert and keeping ourselves pure.
Jesus tells us that we do not know the day or the hour when He will return. Because of that, we are to be ready for Him at all times, whether the middle of the afternoon, bedtime, or three in the morning. There should be a sense of urgency within us to share the message of Good News with as many people as we can. We need to ask the Holy Spirit to grant us opportunities daily to touch lives for Christ. We also must be aware of the struggles of our Christian family and seek the Lord about how we can help. He may have us pray for them, give tangible assistance or just stay out of the way as He deals with their life.
Whatever the circumstances, there should always be an air of anticipation in our hearts. Christ IS coming back. The uncertainty of not knowing exactly when, ought to keep us on guard. Jesus has sounded the alarm. It should cause two responses within us. Firstly, there should be a sense of exhilaration and excitement. We will get to see our Redeemer face to face and spend eternity with Him. Secondly, there should be a sense of panic for those who are not prepared. Let's scramble from our beds and run to get the "children."
Prayer
Almighty God, forgive me for getting so comfortable with the activities of this world that I do not long for Your return. Forgive me for being self-absorbed and little concerned about the community of people around me and their eternal destiny. Fill my heart with Your desires for them, and equip me with the compassion and ability to do my part in sharing those desires with them. Amen.
