40 DAYS OF PRAYER – Youth Devotion, Day 36

CHRIST IS COMING AT AN UNKNOWN DATE AND TIME – MATTHEW 26:36–44

 Are you a “details” person or a “surprise me” person? The “details” person likes to have everything in order to make informed decisions or feel good about a situation. The “surprise me” person does not want to make any decisions—they want to live in the moment. Admittedly, this is an oversimplification and perhaps you’re a mix of the two. In any case, I think both wonder about Jesus’ return. It must have been the “details” disciples who asked the question, “When will these things be, what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?” (Matt. 24:3 ESV).

 In answering, Jesus gave just enough information that would satisfy a “details” disciple and probably more information than a “surprise me” disciple would want to know. While Jesus gave them signs to look for, He specifically said that only the Father knew the day or the hour of His return. It is simply not our business to know.

But, not knowing doesn’t mean you should fret or throw caution to the wind. Please, do not follow every conspiracy or method to decipher the day or the hour of Jesus’ return; that will be a waste of time. Likewise, do not act like it doesn’t matter and engage in inconsequential living. Instead, focus on these two phrases while you wait: “Stay awake,” and “Be ready.”

 PRAYER POINTS:

1. Tell Jesus, in all honesty, how you feel about His return—why it matters to you or doesn’t matter to you.

2. If you agree with this statement, speak this over your life: By the grace of Jesus and through the Holy Spirit, I am a faithful and wise servant of Jesus. I am set apart to do the will of the Father on this earth. Today, and until Jesus returns, I seek to follow the lead of the Holy Spirit in truth and righteousness.

3. Ask the Holy Spirit to come and fill you, to draw you closer to Him, and to bring you peace