It is very
easy to assume that life will continue the way we’ve known it and that nothing
will ever change. This kind of attitude leads to complacency, and just as we’re
enjoying it, things could change drastically, taking us by surprise.
Because
situations can and do change unannounced, God warns us to watch and pray. Two
incidences in history clearly explain this warning. The first is the story of
Noah and the flood. The second is the story of Lot, Abraham’s nephew, who lived
in Sodom.
Jesus used
these stories to illustrate the coming of the Kingdom. The Pharisees asked Him,
“When will the Kingdom of God come?” (Luke 17:20 NLT). Jesus explained that the
Kingdom can’t be detected by visible signs (see verse 20). Then He explained
His return to the disciples with this illustration: “When the Son of Man
returns, it will be like it was in Noah’s day. In those days, the people
enjoyed banquets and parties and weddings right up to the time Noah entered his
boat and the flood came and destroyed them all” (Luke 17:26 NLT). When we don’t
watch and pray, bad things can happen to us and others.
Again, Jesus
told them: “And the world will be as it was in the days of Lot. People went
about their daily business—eating and drinking, buying and selling, farming and
building—until the morning Lot left Sodom. Then fire and burning Sulphur rained
down from heaven and destroyed them all. Yes, it will be business as usual
right up to the day when the Son of Man is revealed” (Luke 17:28-30 NLT). This
means his return will take many by surprise: don’t be one of those people!
Are you ready for Jesus’ return? Don’t let it take you by
surprise. He is coming back any day now, as the Scriptures say: “The day of the
Lord’s return will come unexpectedly, like a thief in the night. When people
are saying, ‘Everything is peaceful and secure,’ then disaster will fall on
them as suddenly as a pregnant woman’s labor pains begin. And there will be no
escape” (1 Thessalonians 5:2-3 NLT). The way to be ready is to make sure your
name is recorded in the Book of Life by repenting of your sins and placing your
faith in Jesus, who died in your place. In addition, you have to live according
to His Word, the Bible, and live expectantly for His return. In this way, His
return won’t take you by surprise.
Don’t keep postponing putting your faith in
Jesus, because when He shows up, it will be too late to repent; do it now while
you have time, and have the assurance that your name is recorded in the Book of
Life; “If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that
God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is by believing in your
heart that you are made right with God, and it is by openly declaring your
faith that you are saved” (Romans 10:9-10 NLT).
The
Scriptures also admonish those who have taken this step: “Let God transform you
into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know
God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect” (Romans 12:2 NLT).
Transformation into the image of God is gradual, and it happens as we read and
meditate on the Word of God and apply it to our lives: “Let the Spirit renew
your thoughts and attitudes. Put on your new nature, created to be like
God—truly righteous and holy” (Ephesians 4:23-24 NLT). Call on Jesus today!
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