Words from the Rock
Two men will be in the field. One will be taken, and the other will be left. Two women will be grinding grain with a mill. One will be taken, and the other will be left.
Matthew 24:40–41 NCV
The Boy Scout motto is “Be prepared.” You might wonder, How exactly? And be prepared for what? A well-trained scout would answer, “Be prepared for anything.” Is that even possible? If you’re taking a hike in the woods, you’d probably want to pack things like a compass or a tracking device, drinking water, energy food, proper clothing, and maybe matches. A cell phone might come in handy too. But that’s only enough preparation for a day hike. What about preparing for a life?
That calls for a different kind of preparedness, one that’s even more important—spiritual preparedness. Let’s face it, someone might be all ready for an earthquake or hurricane. But even with a well-stocked pantry, a generator, a tank of drinking water, medicine and first-aid items, candles, blankets, and other emergency supplies, that person could still be caught off guard if, instead of a natural disaster, there was a spiritual disaster.
Jesus says he will come to earth in the last days to gather up those who believe in him—the ones whose hearts are ready for his return—and take them back to heaven with him. But the ones who don’t believe—even if they have everything necessary to survive floods and famines—will be left in the lurch when they realize their lack of spiritual preparedness.
While it’s good to be prepared for any kind of emergency, it’s even better to be prepared to hear and respond to Jesus when he calls out to you. When he says it’s time to go, be ready.
My Prayer
Dear God,
Help me to be spiritually prepared. I know that means I need to stay connected to you. Thank you for your promise to see me through whatever comes my way.
Amen.
Final Word
We do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day.
2 Corinthians 4:16 ESV
Stone for the Journey
God prepares me for what lies ahead.