May 14, 2026
Thursday, May 14
What does it mean to be ready for Christ’s return? Many preachers, authors and ordinary believers love to speculate about biblical prophecy. But I believe the prophecies were written not to give us a “secret code” to help us predict world events, but to make us ready. In fact, I believe when Jesus does return, no one will be able to say, “Yep, that’s just the way I knew it would happen.” Think about it: When Jesus came the first time, God’s people had been longing for that event for centuries. Scholars had pored over the prophetic texts. Yet no one correctly predicted how or when it would happen. The only people who showed up were a band of shepherds—and only because they were invited by an angel. I think His Second Coming will be similar, in that everyone will be surprised at how it comes about. None of us will get the details right. And that’s okay. The important thing is to be ready.
I believe that’s what Matthew 24-25 is about, specifically the four parables at the end. So what do those stories tell us about being ready for Christ’s return?
First, and most importantly, Be sure that you’re His. In Matthew 7:23, Jesus says,
21 “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. 22 Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ 23 Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’
I’ve read that passage many times, but not long ago, I had a terrifying realization. I wondered how many of the people God has called me to shepherd will have that conversation with the Lord on Judgment Day? I hope the answer is “zero,” but I can’t take the chance. So I must ask you, what is your testimony? If I asked you one on one, “How do you know that you’re saved?” would your answer be:
1) A religious resume?
Or
2) A rescue story?
If your answer is something like, “I’ve been a member of this church for 20 years, got baptized when I was 9, I’ve taught Bible study classes, I tithe, etc” that’s a resume. All of those things are good. But none of them can save you.
On the other hand, if your testimony is, “I realized one day that I couldn’t do it. I reached the end of my rope. I needed a Savior. I knew then that Jesus died for me, and His grace was enough to save me.” That’s a rescue story. That’s true salvation.
So which kind of story do you have? If it’s anything but a rescue story, reach out to me, today. But if you’ve been saved by His grace, pray: “Lord, thank you for saving me. Thank you for sending someone to tell me about your grace. I will worship you forever and ever. In your name, amen.”
Senior Pastor
First Baptist Conroe
More from Pastor Jeff at his website: jeffbergerwriting.com
