Mark 13:24-37
Friday, 21 July 2022
“What I say to you, I say to everyone: ‘Watch!’ ” -Mark 13:37
Today’s reading gives each disciple a solemn warning about his / her preparedness to receive Christ and to be found acceptable to Him. As the Second Coming of Jesus is a sure fact, it is equally an important fact that no one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father (Vs.32). Therefore, Jesus warns us in Vs.33 “Take heed, keep on the alert…” The parable of the man going away on a journey, putting his servants in charge and tells the one at the door to keep watch, Jesus also has gone to heaven, entrusting each of us with responsibilities. So we need to be on our guard and be very alert that we minister with the gifts that He has given and fulfill our responsibilities.
There are times in life we come across unexpected situations quite unprepared, perplexed looking for immediate solutions. But not so with the Second Coming of Jesus Christ for which we cannot afford to be unprepared.
To be prepared for this great event, let us turn our attention a few important aspects:
When will He be coming?
1Thessalonians 5:2, 2 Peter 3:10, Revelation 3:3 refers to the coming of Jesus like a thief. Why like a thief? -because the day and hour is unknown. Acts 1:7 records Jesus telling His disciples: “It is not for you to know times or seasons which the Father has put in His own authority.” God expects us to be prayerful and watchful always so that we are not caught unawares!
What signs are we to look out for?
Even though the exact time is not known, Jesus mentioned what signs to look out for in the earlier part of the chapter - Many will come in His name trying to deceive and mislead many; nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. Famines and earthquakes in various places will be on the rise. People will be persecuted for His name. False christs and prophets will appear performing signs and wonders to even lead astray the elect (vs. 1- 23). When we see the above signs know that the coming of the Lord is near!
What happens to the unprepared?
Jesus warns us in Matthew 24:37-39 not to be like the people during the time of Noah who even after seeing the signs failed to prepare themselves. They would be left behind! A few studies tried to estimate the time Noah took to build the ark, and their estimate was between 75 - 100 years! Which means 75-100 years of warning! Yet people chose to reject the warning and ended up getting washed away in the flood.
What happens to the prepared?
They will be gathered to Him. Vs. 27 says, “And then He will send forth the angels, and will gather together His elect from the four winds, from the farthest end of the earth to the farthest end of heaven.”
How do we prepare ourselves?
By being watchful, by being ready! We are to discharge faithfully the duties entrusted to us. Our sanctification is the will of God (1 Thessalonians 4:3). We cannot indulge in darkness such that we will be surprised when He [Jesus] comes. We need to be the children of light and children of day. We cannot be like the others who are asleep but instead be awake and sober.
Brothers and Sisters, are you ready for the return of Christ? If not, repent of your sin, and trust in Christ today. For the time is near. Let’s prepare ourselves!
Forewarning: “But stay awake at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that are going to take place and to stand before the Son of Man.” (Luke 21:36)
Comments