We recently had our local health department representative visit our campus for the annual renewal of our childcare license. Visits are always unannounced so we’re never sure when someone may stop by. It’s important to ensure student and staff files are up to date, our facility is clean and running properly, and that staff are aware of and following safety and educational guidelines on an ongoing basis so we’re always prepared for a drop-in visit.

In our text for today, Jesus reminds us of something similar, but with much greater consequences than a satisfactory health inspection. He tells us to keep watch, for we do not know the day or hour of his return. We know Jesus will come again on the last day to judge the living and the dead, but we don’t know if he’s coming tomorrow, or next year, or decades from now. So, we must be prepared.

Just like we would prepare for a visitor to our classroom or our home, we want to make sure we are spiritually prepared for the life to come. It’s easy for us to become distracted by our day-to-day tasks, responsibilities, and schedules. It’s easy for us to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of the world around us, a world focused on success and possessions for life here and now. But, if we fail to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus and intentionally spend time in his Word, we may find ourselves unprepared when he returns.

To stay alert in our faith and carry out the work God has called us to do, we need to schedule time to be in God’s Word. We need to make time to spend in prayer, confessing our sins, asking for and trusting God’s forgiveness for those sins, and asking for God’s help and guidance in our lives. As we worship God and reflect on his goodness to us, we can’t help but look ahead to the day we will see him face to face. And when we prioritize our own spiritual growth, we are best ready to encourage the students and families we serve to be prepared for Christ’s coming, for eternal life, as well.

Ultimately, we can live in joy and confidence, knowing that in Jesus, we already have all we need – forgiveness of sins, membership in God’s family, and a perfect, eternal home in heaven to look forward to. In Jesus, you are prepared!