March 30

“Of that day and that hour knoweth no man.”—Mark 13:32.

SURELY it is best that of that day and that hour knoweth no one. This, at least, is a salutary ignorance. The mist hangs over my mind, like the mist which “kept the heart of Eden green,” and in its shadow gracious fruits are nourished and desirable qualities grow.

For suppose I knew, and the hour were far away, I should be tempted to postpone my preparation for it yet awhile. There will be ample opportunity by and by to bestir myself, I should reason with my soul. And meantime I might take my ease; I might grow careless and negligent and unwatchful; I might cease to live “with belted sword and spur on heel.” My ignorance is my safety and my blessing.

Or suppose I knew, and the hour were near at hand, I should be tempted to overlook and neglect all things else. Like pious souls long ago who expected the coming of the Lord at a fixed and definite moment, I should forget my necessary duties and forsake the tasks given me to fulfil—in the light of the Parousia everything would look small and mean. I should stand gazing up to heaven, as the disciples stood on the brow of Olivet till the wise angel reproved them.

Yes, it is best that I do not know. So my faith is tested. So my vigilance is maintained. And so, nevertheless, I have space and quietude to pursue the work which God commands me to do; I can perform it without haste and without rest. And, one day, the heavens will open, and my Lord will appear, and He will say to me, His lover and His servant, Come up higher—inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.