Readings: Romans 13:11-14 & Matthew 24:36-44

Matthew 24:42 – “Be alert! You don’t know what day the Lord is coming.”

Our passages from Matthew and Romans remind us that the day of Jesus’ return will come both unexpectedly and suddenly. Most folks will be just living life. In the gospel reading, Jesus compares this day to the day of the flood in Noah’s time. Most people did not know what was happening until the flood “swept them all away.” Just preceding the flood, God looked at the world and saw that humanity had become “thoroughly evil.” Can God look at our world now and see something else in our day?

While there won’t be a physical floor when Jesus returns, there will be a “wave” of sorts that sweeps across the earth. One person will be left in the field or at the mill and the other will be taken up into heaven. Because the day will be both sudden and unexpected, Jesus warns, “Be alert! You don’t know what day the Lord is coming.” In addition, Jesus adds, “Be prepared,” at all times.

Turning to our Romans passage, we get an idea of what this alertness and preparedness looks like. Paul first reminds us that “our salvation is nearer than when we first believed.” Each day we are one day closer to our eternity. The apostle then encourages us to rid ourselves of actions associated with darkness and evil. Reading the list in verse 13, my mind returns to the days just before the flood. We see many of these behaviors in our world today. Instead of choosing the ways of the world, may we choose to daily “dress” ourselves “with the Lord Jesus Christ.” May it be so for you and for me.

Prayer: Lord God, you call us to walk daily as children of the light 24/7. We, in our humanity, are drawn to be less. When we think ‘just this one time’ or ‘maybe God won’t notice,’ remind us that you are right there, all the time. Keep our walk faithful and true. Empower us to daily put on Christ, shining light and love into the darkness of our world. Amen.