Don’t get caught unprepared

“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.” Matthew 24:43 NLT

As reported yesterday morning by CNN Hong Kong, 21 ultra-marathon runners died after extreme weather conditions hit a 100-kilometer (62-mile) mountain race in northwest China over the weekend. “The high-altitude Huanghe Shilin Mountain Marathon began on Saturday morning in sunny conditions. But by 1 p.m. local time weather conditions had turned, with freezing rain, hail stones and gale winds lashing runners in Gansu County, according to the state-run Global Times... As temperatures dropped in the Yellow River Stone Forest, runners started reported suffering from hypothermia, while others went missing. The marathon organizers called off the race and launched a search party of 1,200 people to scour the complicated terrain. The search operation continued after dark. Most competitors were wearing thin shorts and T-shirts.” I don’t know about you but this is one report that left me speechless and deeply saddened. Who could have ever predicted that sudden, drastic and unprecedented turn of events? Certainly not those runners who would surely have packed the proper gear and clothing had they known.

And you know, while this story illustrates the devastating consequences of being caught unprepared, the Bible compels us to “understand” that Jesus could return at any moment, an event that would be eternally devastating to the person caught unprepared. And since no one knows “exactly” when this will happen, we must not be like the unsuspecting and surprised homeowner who permitted “his house to be broken into” because of his lack of watchfulness, vigilance and guard. We must be watchful, expectant, sober-minded and ready at all times; with our eyes fixed above and our hands working here below, always ready for His return.

So don’t get caught be caught off guard my friend. Make Jesus the Lord of your life today, if you haven’t already, and then live each day as if the moment of His return was imminent. After all, it very well could be. Only God knows. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that life is fleeting and unpredictable and that no matter how good life may appear now it can change in an instant. Cause us to truly understand this Lord so we would be sure to be ready. Cause this knowledge also to spur us to lead others to be ready as well. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!!!

Jesus is coming back