You can read this account in Matthew, chapters 21-25. It contains familiar verses and phrases like "all things whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer believing ye shall receive." "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind." "Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away," but there is one phrase Jesus repeated. In Matthew 24:42 and 25:13, we read, "Watch, therefore."
Be on the lookout! And what for? For His return.
Over 2,000 years have now passed, and Christians are still looking. Does that mean He isn't coming? Does that mean His word is false or has failed? Hardly. It simply means His return is closer today than it was when He first promised.
Throughout the centuries, the instruction has remained, "Watch." And not just idly but actively. Jesus' instruction through the parables, woes, and other topics throughout Matthew 21-25 gives us insight into the activity of watching.
In Matthew 25:1-12 Jesus gives the parable of the Ten Virgins. Five were ready and watching; five were not. In Luke 12:40, Jesus puts it this way, "Be ye therefore ready also: for the Son of man cometh at an hour when ye think not."
The wise, faithful servant stays prepared, active, and on the lookout. His stance is not one of slumbering or laziness but effective care, service, and due diligence to be ready for the Master's return. Matthew 24:37-41 tells us that life will go on as normal, but one day, there will be a snatching away - the rapture of the believers.
This week, as we prepare to celebrate our Lord's resurrection, is a good time to be on the lookout and on the look-in! Are we ready? Are we prepared? Are we watching? In a moment when you think not, as He said, He will return.
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