Jesus taught that the Son of Man would return when we least expect him. This has implications for future, end-time theology as well as present-day, right-now living. Our Father wants us to live with expectant hope because He can show up in any situation at any moment.
Today, I want to talk about surprises. You know, those moments when something unexpected happens, and it catches you off guard. I have this little gift box here, and there's a surprise inside. I'm not going to tell you what it is just yet, but I want you to keep it in mind as we go through our message today.
In the Bible, Jesus talks about how He can show up in our lives at any moment, often when we least expect it.
In Matthew 24, Jesus tells His disciples that no one knows when He will return, not even Him. He says that we should always be ready and watching for His presence in our lives. [Read passage]
Now, I'm not saying that Jesus is going to show up in your life like a surprise party or a hidden gift, but He does want us to be ready for Him. In Romans 12, Paul gives us some tips on how to do that. He says we should be joyful in hope, patient in tough times, faithful in prayer, share with those in need, and practice hospitality.
Let's look at some examples from the Bible where God showed up unexpectedly:
- Paul was on his way to arrest and kill Christians when Jesus appeared to him in a bright light, changing his life forever (Acts 9).
- Peter was just fishing when Jesus called him to be a disciple and fish for people instead (Mark 1:16-17).
- The Samaritan woman was getting water from a well when Jesus offered her living water and changed her life (John 4).
- Zacchaeus climbed a tree to see Jesus, and Jesus invited Himself over for dinner, changing Zacchaeus' life (Luke 19).
These people didn't know when or how God would show up in their lives, but when He did, their lives were changed forever.
So, how can we be ready for God to show up in our lives? Remember what Paul said in Romans 12: be joyful in hope, patient in tough times, faithful in prayer, share with those in need, and practice hospitality. If we do these things, we'll be ready for God to show up in our lives, even when we least expect it.
Now, let's see what's in this surprise gift box. (Reveal the contents of the box.) Just like this surprise, God can show up in our lives in unexpected ways. Let's be ready for Him and live with expectant hope.
Father, help us to be ready for You to show up in our lives. Give us the strength to be joyful in hope, patient in tough times, faithful in prayer, and generous with others. We want to be ready for You, no matter when or how You show up. In Jesus' name, Amen.
1. Share a time when you experienced God's unexpected presence in your life. How did it impact you?
2. Why do you think God often shows up when we least expect Him?
3. How can we be more aware of God's presence in our daily lives?
4. What are some practical ways we can live in expectant hope?
5. How can we encourage each other to be ready for God's unexpected presence and guidance in our lives?
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