Watch

Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming. 

Matthew 25:13   

How shall we prepare for the return of Christ? The word Christ uses is, ‘watch.’ To that word, He adds, ‘therefore.’ This transition word refers to the illustration He gave of the ten virgins. The five wise virgins had done all they could to prepare themselves for the impending arrival of the bridegroom. They had  filled their lamps with oil and trimmed the wicks for lighting. The foolish virgins did nothing. Thus, the wise virgins set for us the example. Even though they could not predict the exact hour of the bridegroom’s return, they lived as if it could occur at any moment. This is a good pattern of preparation for us. We believe Christ will return. According to Christ’s words in our text we cannot know the day or the hour. Therefore His word to us is prescriptive. We can watch. We can, as much as we are able, live in the light of the fact He will inevitably return. Every day brings us twenty-four hours closer to it. We may or may not live long enough on the earth to see it in our lifetime; however, He will return and we will participate in it.  

Our Gracious God and our Savior, 
we look forward to the day when You will return. 
We pray that You will enable us every day, 
to live in a watchful way.