“…therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.” – Matthew 24:44

Scripture reading: Matthew 24:36-44

The Christian’s heart is guided by faith, and is ready at all times for the blessed return of Jesus with glory on the clouds of heaven. Being well prepared for Jesus’ return is essential in our walk with the Lord day by day. Surely, the return of our Lord is the best expectation we can have as a New Year begins.

Christ Jesus may return this year, and we, as faithful servants, must be found ready. Our Christian homes, our church participation, our daily living should all be found in order. We know that we fall short, and our struggle against sin is very real, but Jesus is our Saviour and we are justified by faith, and have peace with God.

Even if Jesus does not return in 2025, being well prepared by expecting the best will surely result in blessings. We will enjoy the blessing of a well-ordered, godly life in our homes, at church, at work, at school, or wherever life will take us in the New Year. We will appreciate the pardon that only Jesus provides, as we turn to Him in faith.

We cannot read the future. We do not know what 2025 will bring. God, however, has given us a mind, heart and will, so that we can plan and look ahead. Let us as Christians expect the best. The best thing of all is that Jesus will come at the time of His choosing, to take us to Himself. Then we shall enjoy the wonderful blessing of perfect fellowship with our Saviour forever!

Suggestions for prayer

Make it your daily prayer that the Lord Jesus will return to us quickly. Pray that through faith you will be ready for that great day.

Rev. Gregg V. Martin was ordained to the Gospel ministry in 1977. In his years of service, he pastored a total of five congregations in three Canadian provinces. He also served for more than seven years in Latin America as a missionary providing leadership training in Reformed mission churches. He is presently retired and living in Toronto. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com.