Two men will be in the field; one will be taken and the other left.  Two women will be grinding with a hand mill; one will be taken and the other left. (Matthew 24:40-41)

 Matthew 24:37-44

Notice how Jesus specifically mentions both men and women busy with their everyday lives. Notice their close relationships; they work together as colleagues, perhaps even brothers or sisters at the same job. The women's hands probably even touch one another as they work at the same hand mill. They are sharing their lives and have much in common. 

Then Jesus finally comes to call them to himself. One is taken, and the other one is not. What is the difference?

Is one taken (willingly and happily) because he or she knows the ‘Shepherd’s voice’ and follows without hesitation, while the other is ‘tuned out’? Does one respond because they are expecting Jesus’ arrival any moment, and the other isn’t? Is one ‘ready’ and the other ‘neglectful’?

Close as their relationships may be as they work together in close proximity or shoulder-to-shoulder, is one’s relationship with her or his Lord and God perhaps even closer than the other’s?

Where do you stand today in all of this? 

How ‘at one’ do you feel with Jesus?

How would you respond if Jesus were to come right now?
 

Source of all life and new life, 
may my heart and soul be so attuned
 to your presence and your voice, 
that I experience you closer than a friend,
a brother or sister, that I will recognise your voice
 above the clamour of everyday life, 
and respond to you when you come to me. 
Amen.
 

Reflections by Reggie Venter

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