According to a 2010 poll by the Pew Research Center, 41 percent of Americans believe Jesus will return to Earth by the year 2050.

Stay awake at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape. Luke 21:36

In today’s scripture, Jesus is teaching His disciples. He foretells the destruction of the temple and Jerusalem; He tells of wars, famines and signs in the heavens; and He gives the parable of the fig tree. Then He gives specific instructions for being ready for His return. His directive – watch and pray. Watch by being on guard at all times, avoiding spiritual sleepiness (I Thessalonians 5:6). Pray to maintain communion with Him and receive strength to rise above anything that might interfere with your readiness to meet Him. The exact date of His return has been purposefully withheld by God, but He has instructed you how to be ready.

Allow your awareness that His return could happen at any moment to direct your life each day. Let it determine how you spend your time and money. Let it fill you with hope through crises and motivate you towards Godly living. As you do, pray for the leaders of this nation to recognize time may be short and to return to Him in order to be ready.

Recommended Reading: Matthew 22:1-14