“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.
“Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom his master has set over his household, to give them their food at the proper time? Blessed is that servant whom his master will find so doing when he comes.” Matthew 24:36-46
God’s measure of days is on a transcendent timetable, in an otherworldly realm unknown by men. Occupied, unaware, heads down, they rise eat work sleep in circadian rhythm, while the Lord on High unfolds His predetermined history according to His perfect providence. In the meshing in between in life here below, God calls His people to continual faithfulness.
Stay awake. Be ready. Be faithful and wise. Keep serving. Stay filled. Keep watch. Work, invest, and multiply. The Lord addresses man going about what man does, yet only some will be prepared. Attentiveness to duty must include attentiveness to Him, which marks our living and doing with heavenly hope. We are stewards of His talents, resources, and time, called to do all for Him and His glory. With day and hour of His return unknown, we plow ahead, keep grinding and building for the One who is known. (Matthew 25:4,13-17,20-22,40,45; Colossians 3:23-24)
Where has the Lord called us to build in preparation for His return? How are we investing to make room for the salvation of others, or to feed them practically and spiritually? Are we to teach? Connect with and engage the curious? Practice hospitality? Care for the needy? (2 Timothy 4:7-8)
“A charge to keep I have,
a God to glorify,
a never-dying soul to save,
and fit it for the sky.
To serve the present age,
my calling to fulfill,
O may it all my pow’rs engage
to do my Master’s will!
Arm me with watchful care
as in Thy sight to live,
and now Thy servant, Lord, prepare
a strict account to give!
Help me to watch and pray,
and still on Thee rely,
O let me not my trust betray,
but press to realms on high.” ~Charles Wesley (1762)
Lord, help me day by day to heed Your call, with Your focus, in Your strength, for Your glory.
As the rain and snow 