February 6

Always Ready

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalms 21:1-7 | Exodus 23:14 – 25:40 | Matthew 24:29-51 | Proverbs 7:24-27

Today’s Scripture Focus: Matthew 24:29-51

“Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come.” (Matthew 24:42 NIV)

“So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him” (44).

Right after college, I was the house sitter for a retired medical doctor. A roommate and I were placed in charge of taking care of his house so that the doctor could hunt and fish and travel to his heart’s content. We had use of the whole house, except for two rooms that were kept ready at all times for the doctor’s return. What made our arrangement unique is that he would return from time to time and we would not ever know when.  

When I read these stories of readiness, I am often reminded of those days. Just as we had to be “on our toes”—always making sure that things were cleaned up, the dishes washed, the lawn well cared for—so we who are Christ’s stewards are to be watching, waiting, and working hard in preparation for his coming.

We are given stewardship of our time, our talents, our gifts, our money, and other resources. The wise and faithful stewards will make the best use of these knowing that we will one day be held accountable for our stewardship.  Thinking that the day is a long way off, we may get sloppy with what has been given—we may forget to be diligent our stewardship.  

Each day, we need to live in the realization that one day we will give an account for our stewardship. One day the master will come on a day when we don’t expect him and at an hour we are not aware of. The wise and faithful steward lives each day in light of “that day.”

Come, Lord Jesus, remind me that this could be the day I give an account, this could be the day of your return. May I live in readiness. Enable me to watch, wait, and work hard in preparation for “that day.”Amen.