I delivered our first baby, a son, before cell phones, instant messaging, text and email. My husband was enjoying a required educational seminar over dinner with his chief in surgery and fellow residents and interns when my water broke. He was all the way across town from our new home where we’d moved only six months earlier.
I’d been up and down during the night with what I mistakenly assumed were Braxton-Hicks contractions. First baby and all, I didn’t really know what to expect. I’d read all the books and listened during my doctors visits and preparedness classes, but until you’re in the middle of it, you can’t really imagine very accurately.
When I was fairly certain something significant was happening, I tried my husband’s pager but got no reply. His chief’s wife was expecting their third child that same month and had given me her number in case I ever had questions, so I called her next. She called the restaurant to reach her husband and had him dispatch Paul immediately to drive me to the hospital. Seventeen hours later, our firstborn entered the world.
Funny thing is, the one distinct memory I have of that hour were my sweet husbands first words to me. “We just got our food!” In his defense, he always ordered a larger portion and dessert so he could bring me leftovers, so we’ll assume for the sake of argument that he was disappointed on my behalf. His dinner was interrupted suddenly and unexpectedly but that was the farthest thing from my mind.
“When a servant comes in from plowing or taking care of sheep, does his master say, ‘Come in and eat with me’?
No, he says, ‘Prepare my meal, put on your apron, and serve me while I eat. Then you can eat later.’
And does the master thank the servant for doing what he was told to do?
Of course not.
In the same way, when you obey me you should say, ‘We are unworthy servants who have simply done our duty.’”
Luke 17:7-10 NLT
https://bible.com/bible/116/luk.17.7-10.NLT
Scripture predicts the future many times as the prophets speak on behalf of God, and many times we read of scriptures fulfilled. There are yet unfulfilled prophecies that remain, spoken by Daniel, Ezekiel, Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Jesus Himself, among others. The Bible foretells a coming judgment and renewal of the earth, a time of great strife and final victory for God’s kingdom and His Son. Peter warns that many will scoff, mocking the patient forbearance of the Lord, but reminds us that the Lord is not slow in keeping His promise. (II Peter 3:9)
Jesus spoke about this time with his followers as well. His disciples were expecting an earthly Messiah who would come as king in the line of David to free them from Roman captivity. Jesus explained that His kingdom would be a spiritual kingdom, one that lasts for all time. They had questions about the timing, when and how all this would happen. Isn’t that what we always want to know? What’s my expected due date? And now, can I schedule my delivery? We want certainty and assurances but Jesus gave none of that.
“Now concerning how and when all this will happen, dear brothers and sisters, we don’t really need to write you.
For you know quite well that the day of the Lord’s return will come unexpectedly, like a thief in the night.
When people are saying, “Everything is peaceful and secure,” then disaster will fall on them as suddenly as a pregnant woman’s labor pains begin.
And there will be no escape.
But you aren’t in the dark about these things, dear brothers and sisters, and you won’t be surprised when the day of the Lord comes like a thief.
For you are all children of the light and of the day; we don’t belong to darkness and night.
So be on your guard, not asleep like the others.
Stay alert and be clearheaded.
Night is the time when people sleep and drinkers get drunk.
But let us who live in the light be clearheaded, protected by the armor of faith and love, and wearing as our helmet the confidence of our salvation.
For God chose to save us through our Lord Jesus Christ, not to pour out his anger on us. Christ died for us so that, whether we are dead or alive when he returns, we can live with him forever.
So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing.”
1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 NLT
https://bible.com/bible/116/1th.5.10.NLT
Jesus told a story to his disciples about the master of a house who goes away on a journey. In Dallas Jenkins’ depiction from season one of The Chosen, Jesus asks, “Where will his servants be upon his return?”
“The coming of the Son of Man can be illustrated by the story of a man going on a long trip.
When he left home, he gave each of his slaves instructions about the work they were to do, and he told the gatekeeper to watch for his return.
You, too, must keep watch!
For you don’t know when the master of the household will return—in the evening, at midnight, before dawn, or at daybreak.
Don’t let him find you sleeping when he arrives without warning.
I say to you what I say to everyone: Watch for him!””
Mark 13:34-37 NLT
https://bible.com/bible/116/mrk.13.34-37.NLT
“Be dressed for service and keep your lamps burning, as though you were waiting for your master to return from the wedding feast.
Then you will be ready to open the door and let him in the moment he arrives and knocks.
The servants who are ready and waiting for his return will be rewarded.
I tell you the truth, he himself will seat them, put on an apron, and serve them as they sit and eat!
He may come in the middle of the night or just before dawn.
But whenever he comes, he will reward the servants who are ready.”
Luke 12:35-38 NLT
https://bible.com/bible/116/luk.12.35-38.NLT
“Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart.
Pray for us, too, that God will give us many opportunities to speak about his mysterious plan concerning Christ.
Pray that I will proclaim this message as clearly as I should.
Live wisely among those who are not believers, and make the most of every opportunity.
Let your conversation be gracious and attractive so that you will have the right response for everyone.”
Colossians 4:2-6 NLT
A Fitting Reply 