Devotion for Today “Prepare!” Matthew 24:3-44
Note: After just being grazed by Hurricane Ophelia and hearing about the devastation in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, I pulled up this devotional from two years ago as we prepared for Hurricane Isabel. Enjoy!
The watchword of the day is prepare. We are busy preparing for a major storm, Hurricane Isabel which threatens to hit our shores of North Carolina by Wednesday evening. Yesterday we spent nearly the entire day looking for things that we might need to get ourselves ready. We searched for batteries- indeed there was not a “D” cell battery that could be found in Elizabeth City. We visited the local Lowe’s homebuilders store and everyone had already purchased all of the plywood and other lumber that could be used to secure their homes against the threatening 125 mph winds. Next we visited the bank, then to Walmart looking for batteries- to no avail. We did, however, manage to stock up on canned food items- although the bottled water could not be purchased because the shelves were empty. There were long lines at the gas station. I managed to fuel my car and bought an extra propane tank for my barbeque grill. Then we started making preparations for evacuation in case the storm threatens to flood our part of the county. One never knows just how to prepare for something of this magnitude. We were told yesterday that such a storm has the potential to completely alter the coastline of our state. For those of you reading this devotional, your prayers for us would be greatly appreciated. By the way- I am certain we will also have power outages- so if you do not hear from me in several days, you will know why.
But the word prepare is also heard in the Gospels. And while we may not know precisely how to prepare for a hurricane, Jesus tells us exactly how to prepare for His return and the impending judgement which follows.
Matthew 24:36-44
36. But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only.
37. But as the days of Noe were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.
38. For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark,
39. And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.
40. Then shall two be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left.
41. Two women shall be grinding at the mill; the one shall be taken, and the other left.
42. Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come.
43. But know this, that if the goodman of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken up.
44. Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.”
Are you ready? Forecasters have been predicting His imminent return. Prepare!
Have a blessed day.
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