Hey everybody, welcome to the podcast, I’m Nick and it’s fabulous to be here with you today.
Today is September 30.
Each day, we follow a simple rhythm: Slow Down, Read, Notice, Reread, Meditate, Respond, and Exercise.
Let’s begin.

Slow Down

We carry so much around every day — financial worries, relational stress, anxiety about the future, and the pressure to succeed.
Now is the time to set those things down for a few minutes and enjoy some time with Jesus.
Close your eyes. Take a deep breath in, then slowly release it.
As you inhale, whisper: “Jesus, you suffered terribly.”
As you exhale, pray: “I look forward to your return.”
Do this three times, then rest in His presence.

Read

Then he said to his disciples, “The time is coming when you will long to see the day when the Son of Man returns, but you won’t see it. People will tell you, ‘Look, there is the Son of Man,’ or ‘Here he is,’ but don’t go out and follow them. For as the lightning flashes and lights up the sky from one end to the other, so it will be on the day when the Son of Man comes. But first the Son of Man must suffer terribly and be rejected by this generation.
(Luke 17:22–25, NLT)

Notice

What stands out to you in this passage?
Is there a phrase that surprises or challenges you?
Hold it in your heart for a moment.

Reread

Hear this passage again — and notice what Jesus is saying to you.

Meditate

Jesus is preparing His disciples for something. He's telling them about a future they won't see—at least not in their lifetime. A time when they will long to see the day when the Son of Man returns.
"The time is coming when you will long to see the day when the Son of Man returns, but you won't see it."
There's something poignant in that statement. A longing for something you won't experience. A hope for a day you won't live to see. A future you're preparing for but won't witness.
But then Jesus gives them a warning: "People will tell you, 'Look, there is the Son of Man,' or 'Here he is,' but don't go out and follow them."
There will be false messiahs. There will be people claiming to be Jesus, claiming to be the answer, claiming to be the one you're waiting for. And Jesus is saying: don't be fooled. Don't chase after them.
Why? Because when Jesus returns, you won't have to wonder. You won't have to search. You won't have to be convinced.
"For as the lightning flashes and lights up the sky from one end to the other, so it will be on the day when the Son of Man comes."
Lightning. Unmistakable. Undeniable. Visible from everywhere at once. You don't wonder if you saw lightning. You don't debate whether it happened. You don't need someone to convince you. It lights up the entire sky.
That's how obvious Jesus's return will be.
But before that happens—before that moment of undeniable clarity—there's something else that must occur: "But first the Son of Man must suffer terribly and be rejected by this generation."
The cross comes before the crown. The suffering comes before the return. The rejection comes before the vindication.
Jesus is telling His disciples: I'm going to suffer. I'm going to be rejected. I'm going to die. And then—after all that—I will return in glory. I will light up the sky. I will be unmistakable.
Jesus's return is a certainty. It's as certain as lightning lighting up the sky. But it's not happening today. It's not happening tomorrow. It's a future promise.
And in the meantime, there will be false messiahs. There will be people claiming to have the answers. There will be distractions and deceptions. But Jesus is saying: don't be fooled. Stay focused. Keep watching. Keep waiting.
And remember: I suffered first. I was rejected first. I died first. And then I rose. And I'm coming back. That's the pattern. That's the promise.
Take a few moments to sit with these questions:
Am I looking forward to Jesus's return? Or have I gotten comfortable waiting?
Where am I being tempted by false messiahs or false hopes? Where am I looking for answers in the wrong places?
How does it change things to know that Jesus will return unmistakably, like lightning lighting up the sky?

Respond

Jesus, I want to be ready for Your return. Help me keep my eyes on You. Help me live like I believe You're coming back.

Exercise

The rush of life will meet you again when you leave this sacred place—but you can carry this moment into your day by forming new habits.
Habit: Wait and Watch
Today's habit is an act of expectant readiness.
Jesus said His return will be unmistakable—like lightning lighting up the sky. But in the meantime, we wait. We watch. We stay ready.
Spend 15–20 minutes on this exercise:
Part 1: Where Have You Stopped Waiting? Identify one area of your life where you've gotten comfortable instead of longing for Jesus's return. Write it down.
Part 2: Commit to Watching: Now pray: "Jesus, You're coming back. Help me stay ready. Help me keep watching. Help me not be fooled by false hopes. I'm choosing to wait for You."
Then spend the rest of your time in silence, simply sitting with the reality that Jesus is coming back.

I have two asks of you before you go, could you please share this podcast with one person today and check out the review of this podcast on Elevate Society?
That’s your two minutes with Jesus for today.
Now, take what you’ve heard…share it and live it.
Until next time, keep slowing down, keep listening, and keep walking with Jesus