Scripture Reading:
Matthew 24:32–44 (ESV)
But concerning that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father only. For as were the days of Noah, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. For as in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day when Noah entered the ark, and they were unaware until the flood came and swept them all away, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. Then two men will be in the field; one will be taken and one left. Two women will be grinding at the mill; one will be taken and one left.
Therefore, stay awake, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming. But know this, that if the master of the house had known in what part of the night the thief was coming, he would have stayed awake and would not have let his house be broken into. Therefore, you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.
Devotional Exposition
The season of Advent invites us into a posture of waiting, expectation, and readiness. In today’s passage, Jesus challenges us with the image of a thief in the night, underscoring the unpredictability of his return. Much like the people in Noah’s time, we can easily be lulled into complacency, focusing on the routines of daily life, forgetting that our Lord’s return is both imminent and transformative.
Origen insightfully reminds us that “The day of the Lord will come like a thief.” The question, then, is not whether we’ll know the exact moment of Christ’s return, but whether we’re living in such a way that we’re always prepared to meet him - be it at his coming or at the end of our own earthly lives.
For some, Christ’s return may evoke fear. Yet, as believers, it should fill us with hope and joyful anticipation. Why? Because we long to see the face of the one who loves us, who redeems us, and who calls us to himself. However, this hope comes with a responsibility. Jesus’ words compel us to reflect on our hearts: Are we living as faithful stewards of the time, relationships, and resources entrusted to us? Are we seeking to know Christ deeply, growing in grace, and sharing his love with others?
This vigilance isn’t about living in fear of judgment, but about embracing the abundant life Christ offers now. Living each day as though it were our last is not a morbid exercise but a joyful pursuit of walking closely with our Savior. As A.W. Tozer once said, “The man who would truly know God must give time to him.” Vigilance in our faith keeps our hearts aligned with this truth, ensuring we’re always ready to meet Christ, whether in this life or the next.
Key Principles
Advent calls us to live intentionally in the present, making the most of every moment for God’s glory.
We’re called to be spiritually vigilant, keeping watch for Christ’s return by growing in faith and holiness.
Living with readiness for Christ’s return enriches our lives now, enabling us to experience his fullness here on earth.
Reflection Questions
Are you living each day in a way that reflects readiness for Christ’s return? What might need to change in your life to align more closely with this calling?
How do you understand Jesus’ comparison of his return to a thief in the night? What does this metaphor reveal about your heart’s posture?
What steps can you take this Advent season to cultivate vigilance in your faith and deepen your relationship with Christ?
Action Steps
Begin each day with a prayer asking God to prepare your heart for his coming, focusing on faithfulness in the present moment.
Identify one area in your life where complacency – an ungodly contentment or satisfaction - has crept in and commit to addressing it this week with the help of a trusted Christian friend or mentor.
Set aside intentional time daily to study Scripture, pray, and seek God’s guidance, living each moment with purpose and expectation.
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