Christian Reflection and Prayer

Scripture:

Isaiah 2:1-5; Psalms 122:1-9; Romans 13:11-14;
Matthew 24:37-44

"Stand ready because the Son of Man is coming
at an hour you do not expect" (Matthew 24:44).

In the final days of His ministry, Jesus spent much
time preparing His disciples to deal with life after
He was gone. He exhorted them to remain in
constant touch with the reality that God is in charge
-- always. He reminded them of the Old Testament
"flood story" in which a People who had lost touch
with that reality were destroyed. And in today's
Gospel Lesson He instructed them to live in the
spirit of high expectation:

"Stay awake!" He commanded. Because you do
not know when your Master is coming" (Mt. 24:42).

"Stand ready because the Son of Man is coming at
an hour you do not expect" (Mt. 24:44).

Be alert! Get ready! Be prepared to receive your Lord,
day-by-day, moment-by-moment. Expect the
unexpected!

Last month, the newswires carried the story of a
preacher who died suddenly of a heart attack. At 90
years of age, the news of his death was not shockingly
unexpected. What was unexpected was WHERE he
died. A very good and committed leader, the pastor,
who had preached throughout the U.S. and in 50
different countries during his lifetime died in the pulpit.

As we reflect on his story, we might very well conclude
that at 90 years-of-age this preacher must have
prepared his people for the day when he could no
longer lead them. We can imagine him telling his
people to remain in constant touch with the reality that
God is in charge. We can imagine him telling his people
to always remain in a spirit of hopeful expectation that
the Father's plan for their final destiny will ultimately be
revealed.

As we reflect on his story, we might very well imagine
that, while his death in the pulpit was no doubt shocking
to the congregation, his death in the pulpit was a
poignant and moving end to his ministry. We imagine
that, as a faithful and committed leader, he died with a
sense of hopeful expectation in the Resurrection Power
of God!