An ordinary day

Watch therefore, for you do not know what hour your Lord is coming. — Matthew 24:42

While exploring a museum exhibit titled “A Day in Pompeii,” I was struck by the repeated theme that August 24, AD 79 began as an ordinary day. People were going about their daily business in homes, markets, and at the port of this prosperous Roman town of 20,000 people. At 8 a.m., a series of small emissions were seen coming from nearby Mount Vesuvius, followed by a violent eruption in the afternoon. In less than 24 hours, Pompeii and many of its people lay buried under a thick layer of volcanic ash. Unexpected.

Jesus told His followers that He would return on a day when people were going about their business, sharing meals, and having weddings, with no idea of what was about to happen. “As the days of Noah were, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be” (Matt. 24:37).

The Lord’s purpose was to urge the disciples to be watchful and prepared: “Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect” (v.44).

What surprising joy it would be to welcome our Savior on this ordinary day!                         — David McCasland

Faithful and true would He find us here,

If He should come today?

Watching in gladness and not in fear,

If He should come today?

Watch for the time is drawing nigh,

What if it were today? – Morris

READ: Matthew 24:36-44

Perhaps today!

The Bible in one year:

• Exodus 12-13

• Matthew 16