“No one knows about that day or hour . . . only the Father.” (Matt. 24:36)
TEENAGERS DON’T LIKE POP QUIZZES. And teachers, who deliver those dreaded pop quizzes, are not often favored among students. One doesn’t have to be a scholar or a parent to know that teens are major procrastinators and would rather do anything other than study if they don’t know for sure a test is coming or an assignment is due.
However, those unpopular instructors do their students a favor by keeping them on their toes and in their books. If a student is wise, he or she will prepare for those random checks, knowing that time spent studying regularly will help overall, even if the quiz doesn’t come when expected. This wise worker will demonstrate diligence throughout the semester rather than cramming when it may be too late.
Just as pop-quizzing schoolteachers warn their classes to be ready for unannounced checks during a term, Jesus warned us all that He would return without prior announcement. He very clearly communicated—in the most important syllabus of all time—that we would be wise to prepare and be ready for the return of our Savior at any time.
No class is more important than Getting to Heaven 101. The test is imminent, and we will be graded. Wise children will prepare now.
Live today as if Jesus will return tonight.
Hally Franz is a high school guidance counselor turned stay-at-home mom. She enjoys being a 4-H leader, church secretary, book club member, and traveler.
© 2018 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission.
