“But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. For in the days before the flood, people were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, up to the day Noah entered the ark; and they knew nothing about what would happen until the flood came and took them all away. That is how it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. Two men will be in the field; one will be taken and the other left. Two women will be grinding with a hand mill; one will be taken and the other left.
Matthew 24:36-42 NIV
“Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come.
Jesus was clear that he would be returning for his followers, to take them to be with him forever (John 14:3). The apostles also talked about the Lord’s return and our resurrection to new life along with him. That is at the heart of our faith and is our great hope.
Over the centuries since Jesus left us, there have been countless attempts to figure out just when he is returning. As well as what has to happen before he returns. Sometimes we can get so wrapped up in this speculation that we are guilty of ignoring the more important matters of living for Christ now. And representing him as salt and light in a dying world that’s living in darkness.
Live in Expectation of His Return
Jesus made clear to his disciples that the date of Jesus’ return was known only to the Father. And that it will be sudden. We do not have a list of things that have to happen first. The church, in its first few years, expected Jesus to return any day. And now, nearly 2000 years later, we are still waiting. That in no way is intended to cast doubt on his return. I have no question but that, in his time, he will return for us and do some housekeeping to prepare our eternal home.
While we wait, we should live in expectation of his return at any moment. We do not know when that will be, but it will be good for us to be doing what he has given us to do when that occurs (Matt. 24:45-51). So, “keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come.“
This always brings to mind the unity Jesus prayed we would have. We sure do not have unity on the topic of when He will come or even of what He will do. That and any number of other topics regarding which there are divisive opinions. Just one of many things that make me wonder just how strait the way to eternal life is.
Fortunately, the way to eternal life is not dependant on holding to a specific set of dogma. I believe there is clearly one ‘right answer’ to the question of Jesus’ return, although I do not pretend to have it. In the same way, there is a ‘right answer’ to each of the questions that divide us today. But rather than allow those differences to divide us, they should draw us together in pursuit of the truth.