“But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.” Mark 13:32 NIV
The disciples wanted to know when the end time events were going to take place. That’s something we would all like to know. But Jesus made it clear in his answer that we cannot know the exact date. Then he followed up with this statement.
“Be on guard! Be alert! You do not know when that time will come.” Mark 13:33 NIV
Be on guard! Be alert! In other words, be looking out for his return! Be watching for it! Be expecting it! Be prepared and ready! Then he emphasizes his point with this illustration.
“It’s like a man going away: He leaves his house and puts his servants in charge, each with their assigned task, and tells the one at the door to keep watch. ‘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.'” Mark 13:34-36 NIV
Notice all the times given as examples are at night, when someone might be sleeping. And he adds, “If he comes suddenly, do not let him find you sleeping.” He presents a contrast between someone who is watching intently, on guard and totally alert with someone who is fast asleep, inattentive and completely unaware. So which one best describes you?
Are you expecting the Lord to return in our lifetime, intently watching for it? Are you diligently completing the task Jesus assigned when he left the first time? Or are you focusing on other things, distracted by life, work, family, relationships and other things?
“Be on guard!”
“Be alert!”
“Keep watch!”
“If he comes suddenly, do not let him find you sleeping.”
Photo by Adi Goldstein on Unsplash