Tag: Mark 13
“Stay Awake”
Scripture reading for February 26: Mark 13
“”But concerning that day or that hour, no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Be on guard, keep awake. For you do not know when the time will come. It is like a man going on a journey, when he leaves home and puts his servants in charge, each with his work, and commands the door-keeper to stay awake. Therefore stay awake--for you do not know when the master of the house will come, in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or in the morning–lest he come suddenly and find you asleep. And what I say to you I say to all: Stay awake.” Mark 13:32-37
Everyone likes to know the future if possible. For example, if we knew what was going to happen in the stock market tomorrow, we could invest and make a fortune. If we knew what numbers were going to be called in the mega-lottery jackpot, we could cash in big time. If we knew when our time on earth was up, we could make the changes and preparations for those left behind and for our future. But the Scripture and very words of Jesus do tell us about what is coming in the future and how to prepare and cash in!
Jesus answered His disciples question of “when will these things take place?”. He told them plainly that no one knew that answer except God the Father. That was followed with a warning, “Keep awake.” He told them it was like a master leaving on a journey and putting servants in charge of his work and property telling them “Stay awake.” They would not know the time of his return. He would likely come suddenly at a time when they were not expecting. Woe if the master found his servants asleep! Jesus then applied these illustrations to all: “Stay awake.”
Have you seriously considered the message that Jesus is sharing with His disciples and us today? How would you evaluate your readiness for the time of Jesus’ return? Would Jesus be pleased with your work as His steward with your talents and property?
Prayer: Father God, thank You for this stimulating teaching concerning the time of Jesus’ return. I don’t want to be found sleeping instead of caring for Your property and Your mission to save lost people. Continue to use me to call out to those asleep or dozing. May all be ready and watching! Amen.
Don’t be found asleep!
Scripture reading for February 26th: Mark 13
Key Scriptures for over-comers: Mark 13:35-37 “Therefore keep watch because you do not know when the owner of the house will come back–whether in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or at dawn. If He comes suddenly, do not let Him find you sleeping. What I say to you, I say to everyone: ‘Watch!”
Jesus talked frankly to His disciples in His final hours with them before facing the cross. He warned them about their need to be watchful concerning the coming of the Lord to take His people to be with Him. (Mark 13:26-27) He explained that no one knows the exact day or hour, only His Father. Because of this, this event could come at any time of the day or year. He did not mean literally not to sleep, or we would all not make it. He referred to being awake spiritually and ready!
Observations for over-comers: Those who follow Jesus live in a state of readiness and watchfulness because of real relationship with Jesus. He is their guarantee of over-coming spiritual slothfulness! “I went past the field of the sluggard, past the vineyard of the man who lacks judgment; thorns had come up everywhere, and the ground was covered with weeds, and the stone wall was in ruins. I . . . learned a lesson from what I saw; A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest–and poverty will come on you like a bandit. . .” (Proverbs 24:30-34)
The coming of the Son of Man!
Scripture reading for February 26th: Mark 13
As Jesus and His disciples were leaving the temple for the last time, the disciples were admiring the beautiful buildings. Jesus remarked that, “Not one stone will be left upon another, every one will be thrown down.” (Mark 13:2) This shocked the disciples and they asked Jesus when this would happen and what would be the signs that this prophesy would be fulfilled. Jesus proceeded to warn them about their need to be watchful and the signs to come!
“Watch out that no one deceives you.” (Mark 13:5) Jesus warned them that deception would come and many would fall for the false instead of waiting for Him. Many would claim to come as the Christ. Wars and earthquakes, conflict with nations, and famines would precede the coming as the ‘beginning of birth pains.’ (Mark 13:8)
“Brother will betray brother to death and a father his child. Children will rebel against their parents and have them put to death. All men will hate you because of Me, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved.” (Mark 13:12-13) Times would become perilous for disciples of Jesus. Persecution and hatred would be normal for His followers before the end and His return. Jesus warned them in advance!
“But in those days, following that distress, ‘the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from the sky, and the heavenly bodies will be shaken.’ At that time men will see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory. And He will send His angels and gather His elect from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of the heavens.” (Mark 13:24-27) We who believe in Jesus Christ long for that Day!