Matthew 24:35-36 “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away. But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.”

Jesus and his disciples are in a discussion after Jesus made some dire predictions about the end of time (Matthew 24:2,22,29) and the final judgment. The disciples were hoping for some signs of when they might expect the second coming. Although Jesus gave a lengthy answer, he was not easy to understand. One thing he did make clear, however, is that the second coming of Jesus and our final judgment will be a sudden and unexpected event. Jesus was clear that when the final hours come to pass, there would not be a shadow of a doubt what was happening.

The lesson is simple: be prepared to face your final judgment. Focus today on being prepared and don't put off until tomorrow what you can do today. Do not think you have time to do the right thing because you could lose your opportunity.

I believe that this lesson could not only apply to the end of the entire world, but to the end of our personal world. When we are in our final days on Earth, we might face the unknown more calmly if we are confident that we have prepared for it.

Some practical self-examination questions that come to mind are: Have you reached out to someone who may have hurt or offended you and tried to understand their point of view? Consider apologizing even if you aren’t sure what you are apologizing for, knowing that there is discord and it “takes two to tango.”

• Search your heart and soul for what you have done or left undone and plot how you can make things right. Take the risk of reaching out humbly, seeking forgiveness, even if you are certain that you did no wrong.

• Have you made your Last Will and Testament, and is it a fair and loving testament? Have you directed a portion of your estate for charity or your church?

In pondering these verses, I heard a song on the radio called “What if?” by Matthew West. and want to share with you this modern take on Jesus' advice: “…What if today’s the only day I got? I don't wanna waste it if it's my last shot,”

Paula Miller