Only God Knows

“‘But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.“ Matthew 24:36 NIV

In a story published by CNN Sports yesterday, marathon runner Gotytom Gebreslasecut, who will race in the New York Marathon this weekend and has been unable to speak to her family for more than a year revealed why her victory at the World Athletics Championship in July was so bittersweet. Gebreslase would usually speak with her family before and after she competes, but a phone and internet shutdown back home in Ethiopia made it impossible to do so at this year’s World Athletics Championships. It meant that when she crossed the finish line to claim victory in the marathon — raising her arms in the air, then sinking to her knees as relief and elation poured from her body — the 27-year-old was gripped by conflicting emotions. “I wish I could have enjoyed my happiness with them,” she tells CNN Sport. “That would have been a second joy for me. Only God knows when we can meet. My wish is to meet them soon — that would make me happy.” 

And you know, when it comes to things that only God knows, the Bible is very clear that God, and only God, knows when Christ will return. In fact Jesus told the disciples that “about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.” Which means that we have to be ready at ALL times. And we do this by continually striving to be like Christ… working hard, sharing the Gospel, serving others, engaging in daily Bible study, pressing on in the face of hostility, standing up for what's right, and counting all our trials as joy. In other words, we must live our lives in such a way that if Jesus came back at this very minute, He would be pleased to see what we were doing. 

So look up my friend and keep yourself busy doing whatever it is He has called you to do. All signs point to Jesus’ imminent return and we must be ready when He comes to take us home. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for giving us your Word that clearly tells us the events that will occur prior to Jesus’ second coming. Knowing that these are playing out before our very eyes, cause us to have a heart intent on being found ready upon your return. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!