You Never Know Who Will Come To Visit, Or When…

Word-Of-The-Day: ‘(36) <Jesus said,> “But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father…  (42) Therefore, keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come… (44) So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect Him.”’  (Matthew 24:36, 42, 44)

Our son and his family are coming to visit us in April, and we anticipate it will be similar to their other visits.  We will be extremely happy to see and enjoy our grandchildren, have some good ‘father-son’ time, and usually there’s one or two ‘Dr. Phil’-type discussions with him and with my favorite daughter-in-law (well, my only daughter-in-law) giving sage advice that they likely won’t listen to. 

We’re preparing ourselves and the house for their week-long stay, and the interruption it provides to us ‘empty-nesters’, and yes, we will on one hand feel melancholy to see them go, but on the other hand joyous our peace and tranquility will return to us.  Your mileage may vary, but I would assume many have similar experiences with their family visits, as well.

It’s takes preparation when someone comes to visit; there is an obligatory reaction when someone says ‘I’m coming over’, namely pick up anything laying around, perhaps jumping in the shower, getting dressed (or at least putting pants on), washing the dishes, vacuuming/mopping the floors, etc. 

We want to make a good impression.  Of course, there are those who drop in without warning so there is a level of readiness just for that contingency where the ‘dropper-inner’ will see some small mess but overall will see a lived-in home, perhaps a plate or bowl in the sink, or (in our case) cat toys on the floor but overall an aura of neatness.

We know Jesus has said ‘I’m coming to visit’, but since we don’t know when, we think of Him more or less someday ‘dropping-in’.  But He warns us in verses 42 and 44 that while we don’t know the day or time He’s coming, but since He is coming for sure He says ‘get ready’. 

Now, I’m certain Jesus will not care that there are dirty dishes in the sink or the bed isn’t made, but what will Jesus care about?  In all facets of your life, BE PREPARED, BE AWARE, PLAN ACCORDINGLY.  Like hurricane preparations (that we all need to ramp up with again, or verify from last year’s preps), are you ready? 

We need to first recognize whether we are living for Christ, or for ourselves.  Spiritual preparations are reading the Bible, praying continually to Jesus, and performing the Great Commission and providing the Gospel to others.  If you know someone who needs to hear about the love of Christ, have you provided that person the message of the Gospel? 

Also, don’t get disappointed or apathetic if the Lord does not come quickly in the days ahead, as it appears the times are trending into great chaos.  Be ready when the troubles grow that you do not blame the Lord for not coming back quickly. 

Remember the 400 years the Hebrews waited for God in Israel, the 40 years they had to wander in the desert, the 70 years they spent in Babylonian exile.  God’s timing is perfect, but it’s not on our schedule, it’s His schedule and we need to be ready to adjust to it. 

As you keep your house clean ready for guests, keep your heart clean ready for Jesus! The big thing to remember: He is coming not to inspect your house, but coming to take you to live in His house!