Preparing For the Storm!

Here in the Northeast, as well as across much of the country, we are preparing for an impending storm. Temperatures will be dropping.  The snow will begin falling, possibly mixed in with some sleet. Predictions for our area range from eight to twelve inches of snow with high gusts of wind. It sounds absolutely awful!  

Of course, the grocery stores are busier than usual. In fact, last night Kim and I went to Shop Rite after dinner. By that time the store was not too crowded, but the produce department had been stripped as had the dairy department. (Amazingly, I think there was yet bread in the bread aisle!)  Obviously, everyone was preparing for the storm—almost as if they’re going to be stuck in their homes for the next two months! 

Kim and I have been doing our own bit of preparations. We did buy food to get us through the weekend. I checked the flashlights and batteries, in case we lose power. Kim even got out a little transistor radio, again in case we lose power. And, I’m bringing in wood for our wood burning stove so that our family room will be nice an cozy. It’s all part of preparing for the storm. 

Jesus often spoke about being prepared. That is, he spoke much about preparing for the time of his return and the coming of the Kingdom of God. He admonished his disciples with these words: “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 24:43-44 – NIV; emphasis mine)  In the next chapter, Jesus gives three parables all with the same point: Make sure you are prepared for the coming of the Kingdom of God. 

In other words, just as we do all we can to prepare ourselves for a coming storm, so too—and even more so—we would be wise to prepare ourselves for the coming of the Kingdom of God. After all, that time will be a time of great joy for those who have prepared themselves by means of their faith and the way they have lived. For those who have not prepared themselves, that day will be a like a storm for which they have not been prepared—i.e., a day of sorrow, destruction, and loss. 

Let me ask you, are you prepared? Not just for the storms of this world, but even more so for the coming of the Kingdom of God.  If you’re not quite sure what that means, read Matthew 24 and 25 and then reach out to me via the email address below. 

Have a great day! And stay safe through the storm (that is if you’re getting hit by it!)!

- Pastor Tim Harris 

pastorsdevotions@gmail.com