Intro: This Christmas season has been a true blessing to me. I have enjoyed more time than usual with my family and friends; I love them and my spiritual family so very much. I see people as eternal treasures; we all are eternal treasures to Christ. He is coming back and we need to be ready to meet him.
In our passage today, Jesus tells about his return and he reminds his disciples to remain watchful. Jesus tells us how we should wait: 1) We are not to be misled by those who claim to strategically know the exact date Christ is returning; 2) We should never be afraid to tell others about Christ despite what they may say or do; 3) We must stand firm by faith and not be surprised by those who want to persecute us; and 4) We must be morally alert, obedient to the commands for living found in God’s Word. Jesus shared these things, so we would focus on living righteously while we are on earth. Are you taking each day as a way to prepare your heart for Christ’s return? We must stay spiritually awake, because when it comes to worshiping and serving Christ the world is being lulled into sleep.
Mark 13:32-37 Live Always Ready for His Appearing
32 “Concerning that day and exact hour, no one knows when it will arrive, not the angels of heaven, not even the Son—only the Father knows. 33 This is why you must be waiting, watching and praying, because no one knows when that season of time will come.”
A Parable of a Man Who Left on a Journey
34 “For those days can be compared to a man who was about to leave on a journey, but before leaving he placed his servants in charge and gave each one work to do while he was away. Then he commanded the watchman to be on guard at all times. 35 So I say to you, keep awake and alert—for you have no idea when the master of the house will return; in the evening, at midnight, at four o’clock in the morning, or at dawn. 36 Be alert, for he’s coming suddenly and may find you sleeping! 37 And what I say to the four of you, I say to everyone—be awake at all times!”
Prayer: Lord, help me to plan for your return. I want to be ready, because your return is the most important event I will ever experience. Help me to stay in your Word and live by your instructions each day. In Jesus’ name. Amen.