"So you must be ready, because the son of man will come at an hour when you do not expect him."
Matthew 24:44 (KJV)Scripture is deliberately clear that no one knows the exact time of Christ's return, not even Jesus Himself during His earthly ministry, but only the Father (Matthew 24:36). This uncertainty is not meant to produce anxiety but urgency, a call to hold fast to our faith and salvation with genuine devotion rather than casual assumption. Our lives should reflect complete consecration to God, surrendered wholly to His will, pursuing the holiness Hebrews 12:14 describes as essential: make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy, for without holiness no one will see the Lord. Readiness for Christ's return is not a future concern to address later; it is a present, daily posture of the heart.
Part of that readiness requires remembering that this earth is not our permanent home, keeping our minds fixed on eternity rather than temporary comfort or convenience. It also means refusing to hide behind religious activity, using church attendance as a substitute for a genuine, personal relationship with God rather than an expression of one. Paul warns plainly in Ephesians 5:5 that no immoral, impure, or greedy person, essentially an idolater, has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. As the last days draw nearer, our daily lives should visibly reflect souls prepared and ready to meet the Lord at any moment. Do not wait for a sign or a warning. Live today as though His return could come at any hour, because it truly could.
Lord, help me to live each day in genuine readiness for Your return. Strip away any pretense or reliance on religious routine in place of a real relationship with You. Make my life visibly holy, consecrated, and prepared, so that I am found faithful whenever You come. Amen.