Matthew 24:44 Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.

There has never been a generation with more information at its fingertips. We can follow world events minute by minute, receive breaking news instantly, and watch developments unfold from every corner of the earth. For those who are watching for the return of Christ, it can be easy to become consumed with trying to understand every headline, identify every possible sign, and determine just how close we may be to His appearing. Yet in the midst of all our watching, we must be careful not to become distracted from the One for whom we are waiting. Reading about Christ’s return is not the same thing as maintaining our walk with Him.

Jesus did not tell us to set dates. He told us to watch. “Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come.” Matthew 24:42. There is a difference between being spiritually watchful and being endlessly absorbed by speculation. I see this all over social media today. One keeps our eyes on Christ; the other can leave us anxiously staring at the world. Prophecy was never meant merely to satisfy our curiosity. It was given to awaken us and remind us that this present world is not our final home. Praise the Lord and Hallelujah!!

Perhaps the most important question is not, “Can I figure out when He is coming?” but, “Am I ready if He comes today?” If the trumpet sounded before this day is over, would we be found faithfully occupying, loving, serving, praying, and looking for our blessed hope? Jesus said, “Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.” Matthew 24:44. Readiness is not found in knowing the date. It is found in knowing the Saviour and walking with Him.

We are living in a world filled with distractions, and even good things can pull our attention away from what matters most. We can become so busy watching events unfold that we neglect prayer, so concerned with what is happening in the world that we fail to cultivate what is happening in our own hearts. The signs around us should not produce panic in the believer; they should produce expectancy. Every reminder that this world is passing away should cause us to lift our eyes a little higher. Amen?

So watch—but watch with your eyes fixed on Jesus. Stay informed, but do not allow the news to steal the peace that Christ has given you. Let every headline that reminds you of the uncertainty of this world also remind you of the certainty of His promise. We may not know the day or the hour, but we know this: He is coming! And until that glorious moment, may we not simply be watching the world. May we be watching for our Lord. What a day that will be!