“Therefore stay alert because you do not know on what day your Lord will come. But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what time of night the thief was coming, he would have been alert and would not have let his house be broken into. Therefore you also must be ready because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.” – Matthew 24:42–44
Verses 1 and 2 of today’s chapter have always fascinated me. The disciples were impressed with their magnificent temple and the wonderful architecture that took years to achieve, and I want to believe they were proud to show it off to Jesus. But Jesus reminded them that these were not the things He came for. He reminded them that this temple would be destroyed and would look nothing like the beauty it was then. He was trying to redirect their hearts and minds to what’s truly important. He did not want them to be sidetracked, but to be alert to why He was here on earth.
It’s the same with our world today.
There are so many things every day that have the ability to distract from the truth that Jesus is coming.
Jesus does not want us to be caught up with the controversies, conspiracies, or things we do not understand that end up in endless arguments or conversations that leave us emotionally burnt out and exhausted. These things dull us spiritually.
I loved the response of the disciples to Jesus’ reminder. They came to Him to find out what end-time signs they would see.
Jesus told them to be alert so that no one would mislead them. There are so many things in our world that are very misleading. They look like the truth but are not the truth, they are only a ploy of Satan to distract us from the coming of Jesus. Do not be alarmed by the things you see, or read, or watch on the news. Those who believe in Jesus and refuse to be misled will be persecuted. Again, this is just a ploy of distraction. Stay alert! I encourage you not to allow your love for Jesus grow cold. A lot is happening and will happen. But through the uncertainties, suffering, and turmoil, keep your faith alert by relying on God’s Word.
We do not know the hour or day that Jesus will return, but God has not left us without hope. He has told us in His Word to stay alert.
Love from Nigeria,
Let’s study God’s Word together!
This blog post is part of our Come, Lord Jesus, Come series. Learn more about this study and join us!
