Therefore keep watch … Matthew 24:42
What exactly does Jesus mean? Are we supposed to keep an eye on the sky? Do we climb up on the roof, dressed in sheets, ready for the resurrection?
If we keep reading, we find out what He means. The remainder of chapters 24 and 25 make it clear that Jesus expects us to look for Him, not in clouds per se, but in "the least of these brothers of Mine" (25:40). When we are delighted to serve the body of Christ humble and weak, then we are ready to meet the Risen Lord in all His glory. And who are the "least of these brothers of Mine"? The needy. The undesirable. Those we don’t understand.
Again and again, God identifies Himself with the poor, with the despised, with the downtrodden and the misunderstood. This is what makes Christianity grand. This is why so many hospitals and orphanages and schools around the world have been founded by Christians. Christianity is not a religion of bullies.
Our God cares for the least of these. And isn’t that good news for us — when we feel misunderstood and insignificant — God is watching out for us, and inviting us to join Him in caring for others.
Be encouraged!
Dwight
Dwight Clough is the author of four Christian books and is an active member of Lake City Church in Madison. This devotional is also available via email and you may review the archives back to 2002. To contact Dwight or Kim, use their contact form. You may also support their ministry.