Tag: Mark 13:32-37
“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.
Stay awake!
Scripture reading for February 3rd: Mark 13
Key Scriptures: Mark 13: 32-37 “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 doorkeeper 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!”“
Sleep is necessary for our bodies but Jesus was not talking about physical sleep. He was calling His disciples and followers throughout the ages to recognize the spiritual warfare of the end times and the fact that only the Father knows when the last day and hour before the final judgment is. God has given His servants work to do in His absence. Each believer is assigned gifts and talents and responsibilities. Those who are watchmen must stay awake spiritually because the Church will not be caught unaware. No matter when Jesus returns, His Bride will be ready. Jesus reminded the disciples and all: “Stay awake!”
Song of Songs 5:2 “I slept, but my heart was awake. A sound! My beloved is knocking. “Open to me, . . .”
Faith confession and prayer: Lord, I may sleep naturally, but my heart is awakened to You knocking! I don’t know the day or the hour, but I know You are coming for Your Bride! May I be watchful and help others to be ready.
Revelation 16:15 Jesus: “(Behold, I am coming like a thief! Blessed is the one who stays awake, keeping his garments on, that he may not go about naked and be seen exposed!”)