Wednesday: One Taken, One Left
READ: Luke 17:22–37
SOAP: Luke 17:34–35
“I tell you, in that night there will be two people in one bed; one will be taken and the other left. There will be two women grinding grain together; one will be taken and the other left.”
Devotion
These verses show us the importance of being ready for Christ’s return. Again, this passage does not tell us when Christ will return, but it does tell us that it will be a worldwide event. On one side of the world, people will be sleeping. On another side of the world, people will be working and doing their everyday activities. In both instances, the people are surprised by Christ’s sudden return.
We need to be ready. If Christ will return in such a way that we cannot predict, in a way that will surprise the entire world, we must live each day prepared for His return. No matter what we may be doing when He returns, we can ready our hearts by following Him, and we can continue to share the truth of the gospel with those around us.
Our Lord will return for His people at any time. When we see many of the events described in this passage occurring, we will know His return is near. The question is, are we living now in light of His coming? If not, what changes do we need to make regarding our priorities and daily decisions? Are we storing up our treasures in heaven where moths and rust cannot destroy them, or do we cling to our possessions as if the things of this world are all there is?
Prayer
Dear Lord, day or night, help us to be ready for Your return. Help us to now invest in things that matter and will last for eternity. Help us live purposefully. Help us have hearts for the lost, and give us words to share when people ask us why we are so hopeful. Help us to be a light in this dark world and make every day count until You return. Until that day, we pray, come, Lord Jesus, come. Amen.
