February 14, Matthew 24:44

Miranda hung up the phone with a sigh. “Either I’m getting forgetful, or Jennifer is,” she told her mother. “I thought I was supposed to meet her at four o’clock, but she says we agreed on three o’clock. I feel bad – this is the second time I’ve kept her waiting.”

“Sounds like you ought to write things down,” suggested Mother. “I have something that might help you.” She took a small book from a shelf and handed it to Miranda. “An appointment book – this is perfect!” exclaimed Miranda. After that, she carefully recorded her appointments, and she kept every one.

“Pastor’s sermon last week was kind of scary,” said Miranda as they drove home one Sunday. “You know – the things he said about hell? It would be awful to go there!”

“Yes, it would,” replied Dad, “but Christians don’t have to be afraid, because they won’t go there. How about you Miranda? Have you trusted Jesus to save you? You’ve never really told us that you have.” Miranda shrugged. “Well, I’m real young,” she said. “I have plenty of time.”

“How do you know that?” asked Mother. “I was just thinking about your appointment book – how you set appointments, and then you keep them. Do you know that God sets appointments, too?” “He does?” asked Miranda. “What kind of appointments?”

“There’s a Bible verse that says it’s ‘appointed unto men once to die, and after this the judgment.’ For some, this ‘appointment’ comes after a long life,” explained Mother, “but for others it comes early. Even babies die sometimes. Our appointment to meet God may come at any moment.” “You’re saying I might die young – any day now!” exclaimed Miranda.

“We hope not, but it is possible. Any one of us could die at any time,” said Dad. “However, our appointment may not come through death. God has also set a time for Jesus to return to earth and take believers to heaven to live with Him forever. But only God knows His time schedule. He simply tells us to be ready. He says, ‘Now is the day of salvation.’”

Miranda started thinking seriously about this for the rest of the car ride home.

Thought: Are you ready in case this is the day God has set for your appointment to meet Him – either in death or in His return?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, teach me to be a good witness and testimony to others while I await the Lord Jesus’ return. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.