Surprises

“No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man.
For in the days before the flood, people were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, up to the day Noah entered the ark; and they knew nothing about what would happen until the flood came and took them all away.
That is how it will be at the coming of the Son of Man.
Two men ill be in the field; one will be taken and the other left.
Two women will be grinding with a hand mill; one will be taken and the other left.
“Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come.
But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what time of night the thief was coming, he would have kept watch and would not have let his house be broken into.
So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him."
Matthew 24:36-44

Last night I was at a weekly men's meeting, a Bible study/discussion sort of forum.
The question was raised: Are you ready right now for the return of the Son of Man?
As we round tabled this, back and forth, I considered and realized the facts:
Jesus promised He would return, He told us that no one would know exactly when-it would be a surprise, but we are to keep watch, to have our spiritual affairs in order, to be ready.
As it was in the days of Noah so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man...are you ready?
I don't say this arrogantly, or rhetorically, or accusatorily... But, if the heavens rolled back like scrolls and Jesus returned now- will you be found ready? Does your heart belong to him, really belong to Him- do you love the Lord with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength, or are your thoughts occupied by the rising and falling the Dow, who will take the Super Bowl, the World Series, the next American Idol, that new house &/or car you are buying...?

Beloved, who do you love? Do you long to be at the ultimate Wedding feast, or are you just too busy to even really think about something that seems to be so far off?
Noah's neighbors had ample opportunity, ample information, and ample time to make wise choices, and yet I'm sure the doors to the ark were covered with the finger nail marks of those desperate and surprised when the Flood came.
Don't be found among those surprised...get ready, be ready.
Stay ready.