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.
Matthew 24:42-43 NIV
Jesus’ words in Matthew 24 stir a vital call to spiritual vigilance. While we do not know the exact day of His return, we can be absolutely certain of the reality of His coming. The timing may remain hidden, but the promise stands firm. Christ will return, and our response must be one of watchfulness and preparedness.
In verse 43, Jesus draws a compelling picture. He compares His return to a thief arriving in the night. This isn’t meant to portray Him as a threat but to illustrate how suddenly and unexpectedly He will come. No one expects a thief, and no one welcomes him. The image immediately suggests danger, urgency, and the need for vigilance.
A thief arrives only to steal, kill, and destroy (John 10:10). His visits bring disruption and loss. That same sense of intrusion should stir our spiritual awareness. Just as a homeowner who stays alert can protect their house, a believer who lives with spiritual vigilance can guard their soul from the dangers of complacency.
Many people fixate on predicting when Jesus will return. They search for signs, hoping to pinpoint the day. But Jesus redirects our focus. The exact time does not matter most—what matters is our readiness. The homeowner in Jesus’ example may not know when the thief will come, but by staying vigilant, he can prevent the loss.
Furthermore, the reference to “night” carries a deeper meaning. Nighttime often represents spiritual drowsiness—periods when we are least active, less attentive, and more vulnerable. These are the times when the enemy seeks to strike. If we let our guard down during quiet or challenging seasons, we create space for spiritual defeat. But when we choose vigilance-by remaining in prayer, staying in the Word, and walking in obedience—we can stand firm against every scheme of darkness.
Jesus concludes with a direct instruction: “You must be ready.” (v44) His return could occur in the stillness of night, when the world least expects it. Readiness isn’t reserved for revival moments or special occasions. It’s a lifestyle, built on daily discipline, rooted in faith, and fuelled by hope.
True vigilance means we stay spiritually awake. We actively guard our hearts, we nurture our relationship with God, and we stay sensitive to the promptings of the Holy Spirit. A life marked by vigilance doesn’t drift aimlessly—it watches, it prays, and it presses on in God’s will.
We aren’t called to fear the unknown but to live with purpose and clarity. Christ will come again, and those who walk in vigilance will meet Him with joy, not regret. Therefore, let’s not be found unprepared. Let’s be faithful servants, always watching, always ready.
Living It Out
How are you living today? Are you alert, or have distractions dulled your spiritual senses? Ask the Holy Spirit to awaken your heart and renew your vigilance. Stay anchored in Christ, walk faithfully each day, and prepare your life for the King’s return.
Don’t wait for a perfect moment to wake up spiritually—choose vigilance now. The Lord is coming. Let Him find you faithful.