Do you like to be surprised? Does it depend on what the surprise is? Do you like unexpected bad things? Are you happy when an unexpected, good thing happens? Are you on the lookout for surprises? Are you ready for the biggest surprise ever?
Surprises can be fun, or they can be downright horrible. Having a vehicle breakdown on the interstate is frustrating and can be scary. Getting an unexpected bad diagnosis from your doctor can be a shock and terrifying. Being surprised by bad news causes a range of emotions.
On the other hand, being surprised with good news can be exhilarating. Winning an award can lift our spirits. Receiving an unexpected pay raise is a joyous occasion. Being surprised by an unexpected visit from your child who lives far away, or an old friend makes us happy. Good surprises are welcome and can boost our energy level for a few days.
There is one surprise coming that isn’t a surprise, but it will come unexpectedly. Jesus will return, but we don’t know when. A variety of people have tried to predict His return. Predictions have happened for hundreds of years, and yet, He has not returned yet. The truth is, we know not the day nor hour He will return (Matthew 24:36, 25:13, Mark 13:32).
We are told to be ready every moment of every day for His return. That means we are to live according to God’s commands. It means to expect the unexpected. There is no need to live in fear of that day so long as we are following Him and living as He as instructed us. It is also the primary reason for us to tell others about Him and convince them to follow Him, too.
I pray we all live according to God’s commands. I pray we live as though Jesus will return today. I pray each one of us will live as He instructed us and tell others the good news about Him. Expect the unexpected. Be ready for Jesus’ return. Tell others about Him. Live as He instructed.
1 Thessalonians 5:2 For you yourselves know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night.
Marty Pressey 