I shy away from those who seemingly know all the ins and outs of Jesus’ second coming. Ever since I accepted the Lord Jesus into my life and welcomed Him, getting off my high horse and showing some humility for a change, knowing how undeserving I was and am, I’ve been suspicious of second-coming hucksters, out to profit from being so-called prophets of the Lord. When His disciples ask about the details of His promised return, Jesus sets them straight. Makes it clear as a bell.

Matthew 24: 36–‘But concerning the day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father only.’ Get it, boys? The inside story is God the Father’s, and He’s keeping it to Himself. Not to the angels. Not to God the Son. Without exception, only the Father. It’s His prerogative concerning the when, where, how, and what of end times. Details kept close to the vest. We’re in the dark while He’s not.

Does this bother you? Need to know? Have to know? Why keep us in the dark? What’s to hide? Good questions. Here’s a better one: What to do in the meantime? As I read my Bible, I discover that God is good and kind, caring and loving. Yes, He will judge and discipline me when appropriate. He knows what’s best for me. And for you, too. Remember, He’ll never abandon us. When He promises to stay with us, He means it.

With a clearer view of God in mind, I can trust that whatever happens at Jesus’ second coming will be right on target. No mistakes from heaven above. This helps me. I can have some peace, struggling less with things that I can’t know. Staying in the dark, while holding God’s hand, is not so scary after all. Quite the contrary.

But it’s not all darkness. Read Matthew 24: 45-51, and once again you’ll discover what we can do while we wait. Like a good Boy and Girl Scout: ‘Be Prepared’! Take your Christian life seriously. Don’t fool around with your faith. Be who you say you are. Not only on Sunday, but follow Jesus every day of the week as if each one is the Lord’s day. Get in step. But remember to follow. Let Jesus take the lead.

And discover the gifts He’s given you for service, and use them. What He shows you to do, do. That’s enough to keep Satan’s wish of our idle hands quashed, while making us productive members of God’s family. The other stuff? Let’s leave that to the Father. After all, He knows best.

Matthew 24: 42–‘Therefore, stay awake, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming’. Enough said! Is it?

Thank you, Lord Jesus, for showing me the way to godly living. Amen.