October 1, 2026

Homeward Bound

Gospel of Matthew 24:40–42

Jesus Christ urges us to be vigilant and says:

Two men will be working in the field; one will be called and the other one left. Two women will be grinding with a hand-mill; one will be taken and the other one left. ‘Therefore, remain alert, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come.

Dear Readers,

The German postage stamp from 1971 depicts two women working at a butter churn. It’s easier when you work hand in hand. What unites the two is their shared work. Their hair color and clothing clearly distinguish them from one another.

Today’s Bible passage also deals with a distinction. Jesus Christ speaks of his return and the Day of Judgment. He makes it very clear that there will be a distinction then. It will not be based on outward appearances, but rather on one’s attitude toward him that will be decisive. Jesus Christ will take some people with him into his glory, while others will be left behind, much to their horror.

It’s a rather frustrating experience when you desperately want to go somewhere but can’t get a ride. I had this experience when I was a young soldier during the time of my service. After my shift ended on Friday afternoon, I wanted to get home to my parents as quickly as possible. I didn’t have a car at this time, and the train ride was too expensive. So, I had to hitchhike the distance of 300 km. At first, I stood by the side of the road in the evening, still in civilian clothes. Hardly anyone picked me up. Then I tried hitchhiking in my uniform. And lo and behold almost every car stopped. People were happy to provide a ride for a young soldier on his way home for the weekend.

We Christians are on a lifelong journey home to our Lord Jesus. He said to His disciples (John 14:1–2): „Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; and believe in me. My Father’s house has many rooms; if it wouldn’t be the case, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? “

Jesus wants all His followers to be with Him in His eternal glory. Yet not everyone will be taken with Him. That is frightening. But it depends entirely on HIS choice. Jesus Christ knows our hearts and sees whether our faith is genuine or merely a pious facade. Do we belong to Him? Or are we just hypocrites?

Many Christians work together in the church. They work hand in hand. That’s a good thing. And yet, there are different attitudes of the heart:

For example, two men sing side by side in the church choir. But only one of them calls Jesus his Lord and Savior. The other simply enjoys the music. He has no interest in Jesus.

Two women volunteer together in the Diaconate working group. But only one of them lives her daily life with Jesus; the other is just looking for a meaningful way to spend her free time.

Two people work in a church. One fights the good fight of faith and knows how dependent he is on God’s grace. The other is just doing the job he’s paid to do. He leaves his faith at the coat check when he goes home.

Jesus urges us to be watchful — that is, to live with mindfulness. No one knows exactly when he will be called home to eternity. We are to trust the Lord Jesus Christ, our Savior and Redeemer, with all our hearts TODAY. We are to entrust our entire lives to Him. Faith is a matter of trust, just like hitchhiking. But with Jesus Christ, we will reach our destination safely. Whoever trusts Him will be taken into His glory. Whether you have red or black hair or wear a blue or red dress.

Thank you for visiting me and listening to me. May our God bless you! I do look forward to seeing you again at the next short sermon on October 15.