Devotion / Ready or not...

Coming for a visit

Ever been in this situation? A dear friend or relative tells you they are coming for a visit. They live miles and miles away. You are so looking forward to that visit . . . it's been years!

The details of the visit are a little sketchy because the travel arrangements aren't quite finalized. Looking around your place, you realize, "Whoa, this looks like a disaster area!"

Then the phone rings. "Hello, I'm here! Plans changed and I got here early. I'm at the door now!"

There you are – dressed in your "grubbies," hair a mess, needing a shower, and surrounded by the mess of your everyday life! That dear guest arrived when you just weren't ready. Embarrassing, right?

Watch for the signs

Reminds us of a warning Jesus gives us in his Word. Not being ready might be okay if it's a dear friend or relative, but God calls us to be ready when he comes for us. In Matthew chapters 24-25, our Savior gives examples about the importance of being ready for the Lord's return. Matthew 24:42 is clear: Therefore, stay awake, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming (ESV).

Jesus is speaking to us about his promised second coming. He makes it clear that no one can predict that exact date and time. Instead, he warns us to watch for those "last day" signs.

Do you consider yourself ready for the day you will meet the Lord? It is coming! God's Word guarantees it.

We are, by God’s grace, all ready

That same Word reminds us that as sinners, our lives are a mess. We've tried to ignore God. We've sinned against him. We've rejected him and his ways.

Thank the Lord, though, that he wants all to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth (1 Tim 2:4). He loved us so much that he sent his only Son--Jesus. Through belief in him, we will not perish but have everlasting life (John 3:16).

Jesus cleaned up the mess of our lives so that when our last day on this earth arrives, we are ready. Let's share that wonderful, life-giving news with all who will listen.

316NOW's mission – through the power of the Holy Spirit – seeks to enable billions of souls in China and around the world to be ready to meet their Lord. Please pray that in the face of growing challenges and obstacles, lives will be saved for time and eternity.

by Dave Payne