In the course of human existence, most events fall into two categories: the planned and the unplanned. Planned events – weddings, graduations, or business meetings – are defined by a specific hour, day, and year. We prepare for them because we know exactly when they will occur.
However, the most significant event in human history has a date that remains a divine secret. While the Bible provides clear signs of the return of Jesus Christ (Matthew 24:5-24), it remains silent on the exact timing. Many throughout history have attempted to predict the end of the world, but these predictions have consistently failed because they contradict the Word of God.
Jesus Himself declared:
“But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only.” (Matthew 24:36)
The Certainty of His Coming
Though the “when” is unknown, the “what” is certain. Jesus will return in glory to conclude this current world system and gather God’s children to His heavenly home. This will be a moment of great separation:
“When the Son of man shall come in his glory… before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats. And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left. Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world” (Matthew 25:31-35)
Since we know this event is inevitable but the timing is unpredictable, how should we live? Jesus gave us a simple, yet profound instruction: Watch. (Matthew 24:42; Matthew 25:13).
How to Watch: A Guide for the Faithful
Watching is not a passive waiting; it is an active state of spiritual readiness. To be prepared for that unknown hour, we must:
- Audit Our Associations: Are you part of God’s family (the sheep) or aligned with the world (the goats)? Our company can either build us up or lead us astray (Matthew 25:34).
- Maintain Vigilance: Stay spiritually awake and cautious. The enemy looks for moments of slumber to lead us into temptation (1 Peter 5:8).
- Stay Constantly Connected: Do not wait for a crisis to call on God. Maintain a daily, unbroken communion with Him.
- Practice Faithful Stewardship: True faith is seen in action. Show kindness to the poor, the hungry, the sick, and the needy (Matthew 25:35–36).
- Seek Divine Strength: The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak. We must continually turn to God for the power to overcome sin (Matthew 26:41).
- Stand Firm in Preparation: Be ready for difficult times and resist evil, staying rooted in your faith regardless of the world’s pressures (1 Peter 5:8-9).
The Good News
The greatest hope for the believer is that even those who have passed away will be caught up to be with Him on that glorious day. You do not have to live in fear of the unknown hour; you can live in anticipation of it.
If you want to join God’s family today, you can start by saying this prayer:
A Prayer of Salvation
“Lord Jesus, come into my heart now. I receive and confess You as my Lord and Savior. I believe that You died and rose again to save me. Help me to stay faithful to God until the day I see You face to face. Amen.”
Written by Sunday Omori
HEM Int'l 