surprise!!!

Matthew 24:44

"Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh."

These are the words of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. This verse comes from the Olivet Discourse (Matthew 24–25; Mark 13; Luke 21), Jesus’ major prophetic teaching given on the Mount of Olives just days before His crucifixion. After the disciples marveled at the temple’s beauty, Jesus foretold its total destruction, prompting deeper questions about the end times and His return.

Throughout this week we’ve focused on the Second Coming and its central call: constant readiness. No one knows the day or hour—not even the angels or the Son, only the Father. Christ will return unexpectedly, “like a thief in the night.”

This uncertainty is not meant to frighten but to awaken us to sober, holy, and faithful living. Just as a homeowner would stay alert if he knew when a thief was coming, we must remain spiritually watchful every moment because we do not know the time.

Readiness is not about predicting dates or watching for signs; it is about an ongoing life of faith, humility, and obedience. Today’s verse is a direct command, especially to believers (including the future Jewish remnant in the tribulation), to live in eager expectation of Christ’s sudden appearing.

We cannot say, “It will happen then,” because the moment we think we’ve figured it out, we prove we haven’t. His coming will be sudden and surprising to everyone.

So be ready—today and every day.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.