When
This is one of those words in the English language that is often used as an adverb, conjunction, pronoun and noun. I use the word a lot with a question mark to determine time or estimated time of arrival (ETA) with my kids. When they are coming for a visit, I like to know when they will arrive. I’m always anticipating seeing them and giving them a hug. I also have as many of my activities as possible on my calendar so that I won’t forget to meet someone, do something or be somewhere as promised. I still enjoy spontaneous, unplanned events. I enjoy them a lot on a day off or a time of vacation. This word, WHEN, is part of the family of inquisitive words: Who, What, When, & How. These all mostly have a question mark behind them.
Jesus started telling His disciples about how things were going to end before He comes back. He gave them some detail about “how” things would go down. He did not give them the “when”. Check this out….
40 “Two men will be working together in the field; one will be taken, the other left.41 Two women will be grinding flour at the mill; one will be taken, the other left.
42 “So you, too, must keep watch! For you don’t know what day your Lord is coming. 43 Understand this: If a homeowner knew exactly when a burglar was coming, he would keep watch and not permit his house to be broken into. 44 You also must be ready all the time, for the Son of Man will come when least expected. (Matthew 24:40-44 NLT)
It’s not for me to know “WHEN” – the message for me is to be ready. I must keep my heart prepared and my gaze set on heaven. While I’m here on earth, I have much to do. I must keep one eye on today and the other on eternity. I believe that this life is a stepping stone into eternity. I should live fully and abundantly while I’m here because I have the Presence of God in my heart. I must keep in mind that this life here is NOT all there is. I was at the funeral home last evening as a Mom stood beside the casket of her thirty-eight-year-old daughter who had died of cancer. She didn’t know when. None of us know when. I am living and breathing at the moment, but I could die before today’s end. I realize that this is somewhat morbid, but I am quite comfortable talking about. I’m ready when He’s ready. I have made eternal preparations because I believe God’s Word is true. I don’t know “When”, but there are no “ifs” about it. I must be ready at all times – in any season of life. This world is not my home – heaven is.
Pressing On!
Dwayne