At that time people 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 13:26-27 NIV
As we close out 2016 and move into 2017, we’re wise to remember that Jesus will be returning. In fact, he could return in 2017!
But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Be on guard! Be alert! You do not know when that time will come. Mark 13:32-33 NIV
If he comes suddenly, do not let him find you sleeping. What I say to you, I say to everyone: ‘Watch! Mark 13:36-37 NIV
Since we don’t know when he will come, I tend to put the thought of his return on the back burner, but when I read these words of Jesus, recorded by Mark, I feel like I’m missing something. Jesus tells us to “Be alert!” and to “Watch!” While I live with the understanding that he will return, and I realize it could be sooner than later, I can’t say I’m on guard. There’s an intensity in Jesus words that have not been part of my daily experience, but that needs to change!
Be dressed ready for service and keep your lamps burning, like servants waiting for their master to return from a wedding banquet, so that when he comes and knocks they can immediately open the door for him. It will be good for those servants whose master finds them watching when he comes. Truly I tell you, he will dress himself to serve, will have them recline at the table and will come and wait on them. Luke12:35-57 NIV
This could be the year the Father says, “The time has come, go!” If so, will he find you on guard, spiritually alert, anticipating his return and diligently watching for it? Or, will he find you sleeping? If you knew this was your last year, last month, last week or last day on earth, would you live any differently?