Keep Watch

Matthew 24:42-44

Jesus said, “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come. 43 But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what time of night the thief was coming, he would have kept watch and would not have let his house be broken into. 44 So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.”

One of my prison ministry evangelist friends said they could tell me exactly when Jesus was coming. I said they couldn’t know that precisely because Jesus said, “only the Father knows”. They said, “He is coming at an hour when you do not expect Him!” Well, that is sure right!

Today’s verse emphasizes that very fact. For more information on this see devotional for July 25. Jesus warns us to be alert and keep watch, and uses the analogy of a thief trying to break into a house.

As I consider this, I am reminded that Jesus said in John 10:10 that “the thief comes to steal, kill and destroy”. The enemy wants to steal the plan God has for your life, kill your Christian witness, and, thereby, destroy your Kingdom effectiveness.

As we look forward to the return of our King, we must be diligent to use the talents and abilities God has given us to fulfill the work we have been assigned.

Guard your heart, and keep watch. We have important work to do.

TODAY’S CHALLENGE:

Tell the Father you want to fulfill all of His plans for your life. Surrender today to the Holy Spirit’s desire to want to impact the world around you.

You are His vessel. Be obedient and expectant.

Dive Deeper: Study Matthew 24; 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11; 1 Corinthians 15:51-58.