Who will be ready for Christ’s unexpected return? Not the person looking for a special sign, not the person who delays repentance for tomorrow, not the person who relies on external events to provide spiritual boosters. No, the person who is ready is the weak but faithful believer who finds his delight in God’s law. The believer who lives in relationship with God, day to day, week by week. The one who lives by grace knowing that Christ is a good Master who wants what is best for me, a Master who has given his life for me. That is why I want to be faithful with the gifts under my stewardship. That is why I want to meet with him in worship on the Lord’s Day. That is why I pray for God’s Spirit to help me serve him. I do not know when he will return, but I am not worried about that day because I know him and he knows me.

When we think about Jesus’ return, we are not busy with stories and fantasies. There will be a day of judgment; there will be a separation between believers and unbelievers. It is a reality that will be highlighted most clearly when we come to the end of Matthew 25:1–46 but even now, it is a reality that ought to shape our calendars. We do not know when Christ will return, but when he does, you will face his wrath if you have not been reconciled to him. All eternity depends on our relationship with God. Kiss the Son, says Psalm 2:1–12, lest he be angry and you perish in the way.

As those who live in relationship with God, are you content with ordinary day to day obedience or are you chasing after secret knowledge and special experiences? Are you at worship week by week or only when there is a special circumstance? If there are godly disciples and habits that you have been meaning to establish, now is the time to do so. Do not rely on some special future experience; make the changes that the Spirit is impressing on your heart. Jesus Christ will come unexpectedly. You cannot make yourself ready for his return; we have to be ready or we will be caught sleeping.