Getting ready for the day ahead involves a list of tasks in order to put on our best self. Bathing, grooming, brushing our teeth and choosing our clothing for the day are but a few. Special occasions may take more time, paying extra attention to our desirable outcome. Maybe it’s for attending church, a party or a night out with a special someone that prompts you to take extra time to look your best.
However, there’s a saying, “It’s all in the timing.” Whether we’re getting ready for work, our child’s school play or even for dinner reservations, we don’t want to arrive late. It would be disrespectful not to be ready on time. I, myself, like to be prepared and even arrive a little early. Even the saying about being fashionably late does not apply. It is one of my pet peeves that comes from being self-employed and having to depend on so many people to get the job done. My husband also trusts, whatever timeframe we have to get ready, I will make every effort to be on time.
If you’ve ever watched the television show “Everybody Loves Raymond”, there’s an episode in which Raymond is frustrated because his wife, Deborah, is never ready on time, which results in them always showing up late for important occasions. This time, she makes a promise to him that for his work-related event she will be ready on time. Unfortunately, she fails and he makes the decision to leave without her. I won’t tell you how that ends.
However, there is one very special occasion for which you and I need to be always ready. It’s not an event that involves our hair being perfect and choosing the right outfit for the occasion and you definitely don’t want to be fashionably late. It does, though, require being prepared in other ways. When Jesus comes again, you and I won’t receive a handwritten invitation noting the date and the time and it will not be an appointment we enter in our day timers on our phone apps as a reminder. It is our hearts that need to be ready. Our focus needs to be front and center on the one thing that matters. Jesus is coming – but you and I don’t know when.
I don’t think that means we shouldn’t enjoy the life and the many blessings He gives us during our earthly time; but I do believe it means that we include Him, involve Him and embrace Him in every part of our day. When we have Jesus as our constant companion every step of the way, we are preparing for this more special occasion. When we make poor decisions or actions, we tell Jesus, “I’m sorry.” When we experience blessings, we tell Him, “Thank you.” And when days don’t go as planned, our praise and thanksgiving don’t disappear. We don’t stop talking to Him, even through the difficult times.
So, let’s continue in our new year by keeping our focus on preparing our hearts to receive Jesus when He comes, whenever that may be. Let’s keep our lamps filled with oil and ready to light our way.
“Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.” Matthew 24:44
From God's Lips 