Nougat 24

In many accounting practices, there’s a line in the ledger for contingencies, and some even maintain suspense accounts. Siblings our only contingency is Jesus, and though we wait, He is not keeping us in suspense. His words offer a guide for now and the End; just like today’s Holy Nougat

“You also must be ready all the time, for the Son of Man will come when least expected.” ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭24‬:‭44‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Be Ready

We know that we ought to keep watch as we wait, but how different is being ready? We might find our thoughts veering toward the motto allegedly coined by the Boy’s Scouts founder, Baden Powell: ‘Be Prepared’. Although Baden-Powell held some very offensive views on other subjects, his military prowess seems to have been legendary. This means he was a strategist, and prepared for any eventuality.

Siblings, being in readiness for Christ’s return says that whether we meet Christ directly in the air, or death preempts our translation to glory, our destination is sure. We’d have come to accept the truth of Jesus as the Son of the Living God, and confessed Him as Sovereign of our lives. Probably we would have said like the eunuch, ‘what’s barring me from salvation now?’, or we participated in long-term classes and studies to learn more about living our Faith.

Whatever route we took, readiness involves an ongoing journey with Jesus, with us allowing Him ‘no holds barred’ access. We’d be working on confirming our calling and election, allowing God to equip us with the Fruit of God’s Spirit, manifesting the gifts and graces of God’s Spirit in the process. And as I type, the thought that crossed my mind is living peaceably with everyone (Romans 12:18).

That’s one serious commitment there folks, because sometimes keeping our peace is a challenge. I recall once consciously deciding to make peace with an individual simply to ensure that they didn’t get to Heaven, leaving me behind. I later realized I liked the person for themself despite their having wronged me. Folks, we can’t miss out on eternity simply because we are holding grudges instead of holding on to Jesus.

Not. Worth. It!!!!!

And you know once we get to that street, we also have to check ourselves to ensure that we haven’t wronged others OR Our God with our attitudes or lifestyles. If we have, including our possible failure to forgive others, then being ready means making right with God. Living peaceably with God.

So I invite us to think: if this is The Moment – the One where we come face to face with Christ, Who comes for a spotless Bride – Are we ready? If not, let’s take this moment to rededicate ourselves to Jesus.

Jesus, Yes You are my Sovereign, although I don’t always act like it. Forgive me for my moments of sin and restore me please to righteousness in You. Take control once again over all of my life. Help me to be ready for Your return I pray Dear Jesus amen

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May all we seek be found in Christ