“Be ye therefore ready also, for the Son of Man cometh at an hour when ye think not” (Luke 12:40, KJV).
Have you ever had a moment where something unexpected caught you off guard? Maybe it was a surprise visit from a friend, a job opportunity that came out of nowhere, or even a sudden change in plans. These moments can fill us with excitement or stress, depending on how prepared we feel. But there’s one event that will surpass all others in its suddenness and importance—the return of Jesus Christ.
The Unpredictable Timing of Christ’s Return
Luke 12:40 reminds us that Jesus will come when we least expect it. The phrase “at an hour when ye think not” is a stark reminder that the timing of His return isn’t for us to predict. Whether through biblical prophecy or current events, many people try to pinpoint when Jesus will return. However, the Bible is clear: no one knows the day or the hour (Matthew 24:36). This reality doesn’t give us a free pass to live carelessly, though. Instead, it calls us to be spiritually prepared at all times.
What Does It Mean to Be Ready?
In today’s busy world, it can be easy to let our spiritual life take a backseat. Work, family, hobbies, and the daily grind often leave little room for reflection on eternity. But Luke 12:40 challenges us to keep our spiritual house in order—just as we would prepare for an important guest, we must live our lives ready for Jesus.
Being ready involves:
Living a life of faith – Actively nurturing your relationship with Christ through prayer, reading the Bible, and seeking His guidance.
Repentance – Continuously turning away from sin and asking for God’s forgiveness. No one is perfect, but being ready means we are always seeking to align our lives with God’s will.
Serving others – Jesus emphasized the importance of loving and serving those around us. One of the best ways to prepare for His return is by being His hands and feet in the world today.
Living with Purpose and Urgency
Imagine living each day as if Jesus were coming tomorrow. How would your priorities change? Would you spend more time with loved ones, seek forgiveness from someone you’ve wronged, or finally take that step of faith you’ve been putting off? The point isn’t to live in fear but to live with purpose and urgency. When we embrace the reality of Christ’s return, we’re motivated to live in a way that honors Him—whether through our relationships, work, or personal growth.
Why “Being Ready” Matters
The suddenness of Christ’s return serves as a test of our faithfulness. In the verses preceding Luke 12:40, Jesus speaks of the faithful servant who is prepared for his master’s return and the consequences for the one who isn’t (Luke 12:35-39). This isn’t just a metaphor for ancient times—it’s a wake-up call for us today. Being ready is about more than avoiding punishment; it’s about eagerly anticipating the fulfillment of God’s promises. The return of Christ is not something to fear but to look forward to with hope and expectation. It’s the moment when all the pain, suffering, and brokenness in this world will be replaced by the perfection of God’s Kingdom.
How Can You Be Ready for the Return of Christ?
Here are a few practical steps to stay prepared for Jesus’ return:
Regularly Examine Your Heart – Are you walking in alignment with God’s Word? What areas in your life need more surrender to Him?
Stay Connected to the Body of Christ – Fellowship with other believers helps keep us accountable and spiritually sharp.
Share the Gospel – One of the most urgent ways to prepare for Christ’s return is by spreading His message to those who haven’t yet received it.
Stay Watchful – Keep your eyes on Jesus and stay aware of the signs of the times without getting distracted by worldly concerns.
Conclusion: Are You Ready?
The question is simple yet profound: Are you ready for Jesus’ return? We don’t know the exact time, but we do know that He is coming. Let’s not be caught off guard but live each day with our hearts turned toward Him, ready to meet the Son of Man when He comes. As Christians, this is our hope and our joy—that one day, when we least expect it, we will be united with our Savior. May we be found ready when that day comes.
Call to Action: Take a moment today to reflect on your spiritual readiness. What can you do right now to prepare your heart and life for the return of Christ? Let this be a journey of faith, not fear, as you live each day with eternity in mind.