Today is National Weather Observer’s Day.

Imagine a world without weather forecasters. We wouldn’t know whether to take an umbrella, if we should bring a jacket, or if we need sunscreen. We certainly wouldn’t be able to tell if a dangerous storm was approaching or if we should go ahead and plan that picnic. Such information is critical for people like pilots, farmers, or anyone whose work is dependent on weather conditions.

Thankfully, we don’t have to guess about what the weather is going to be like for the next day or even the next several hours. We can tune in the nightly weather forecast or listen to the radio to quickly find out how to prepare for the predicted conditions. At times, such information can be life saving.

As Jesus was preparing for his return to heaven, he urged his followers to be vigilant. But they weren’t to be concerned about the weather conditions. They were to be looking for a special event—Jesus’ return to earth. More than 2,000 years has passed since Jesus spoke those words, but the truth remains: Jesus is coming again, and as his followers, we need to be on constant watch.

So what does that mean? For one, it means working faithfully at the tasks that God has given you. It means keeping close to God at all times. It means being faithful to pray and meet with God daily, to read his Word, and to be actively doing his will.

Think about it. When Jesus returns, do you want to be caught napping or to be engaged in helping others? The best way to be prepared and vigilant for Jesus’ return is to be doing his work. That way you can “keep a constant watch.”

Keep a constant watch. And pray that, if possible, you may escape these horrors and stand before the Son of Man (Luke 21:36).

To Do

Think of two ways you can “keep a constant watch” so you will be ready for Jesus’ return.

Also on this day . . .

Today is National Tuba Day.

1626—Dutch explorer Peter Minuit landed on Manhattan Island. Native Americans later sold the island (20,000 acres) for $24 in cloth and buttons.

1715—A French manufacturer debuted the first folding umbrella.

1979—The first woman prime minister of Great Britain (Margaret Thatcher) was elected.

From Betsy Schmitt and Dave Veerman, 365 Trivia Twist Devotions: An Almanac of Fun Facts and Spiritual Truth for Every Day of the Year (Cincinnati: Standard, 2005). Scripture quotations are from the New Living Translation unless otherwise noted.