Matthew 24:42 - Watching for a Tornado

 

The weather forecast called for winds gusting up to 65 miles an hour... and a tornado watch. Some parts of our county ended up having a tornado warning: take shelter immediately. 

My wife and I went into prep mode:
Chairs set up in basement. Check.
Jugs of water in basement. Check.
Flashlights and candles in basement. Check.
Turn on the weather radio. Check.

We still kept working on our computers upstairs. We still ate butternut squash soup in the dining room. We still watched TV in the living room. In short: we didn't stop our normal routines, but we were ready. (Of course, if it had worsened to a tornado warning, we would have moved to the basement: to eat our soup and use our computers there!)

Jesus promised to return to earth, and told his followers: "...you too must keep watch! For you don’t know what day your Lord is coming." (Matthew 24:42, New Living Translation, 2015)

The apostles repeat this message:
Paul wrote to the Thessalonian church: "For you know quite well that the day of the Lord’s return will come unexpectedly, like a thief in the night." (1 Thessalonians 5:2, NLT. See Revelation 3:3)

However, some people in Thessalonica figured that if Jesus could show up any moment, then they might as well quit their jobs. Why bother with everyday life? But being watchful doesn't put life on hold. So in his second letter to this church, Paul wrote:

“ ...Stay away from all believers who live idle lives ...you ought to imitate us. We were not idle when we were with you. ... We never accepted food from anyone without paying for it. ...we gave you this command: 'Those unwilling to work will not get to eat.' ...We command such people and urge them in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ to settle down and work to earn their own living. 13 As for the rest of you, dear brothers and sisters, never get tired of doing good.” 2 Thessalonians 3:6–13 (NLT)

So whether we anticipate a tornado, or Jesus coming back, Peter would ask,
"So what kind of people should you be? You should live holy lives and serve God, 12 as you wait for and look forward to the coming of the day of God...." (2 Peter 3:11–12, New Century Version)

Father, Keep our hearts expectant for Jesus' return, even while we go through the routines of daily life in a way that honors you--and gets the job done, whatever that task may be. While we wait, give us energy to never tire of doing good. In His name we pray, Amen.

PS - None of this implies that those who've lost their life or property in a tornado, hurricane or any other natural disaster have not been "watchful" enough. Our hearts and prayers are with those who've recently faced such tragedies.