Scripture

“I say to you what I say to everyone: Watch for him.”

Observation

Many false Messiahs and false prophets will arise and perform great signs to deceive even the elect.

In those days, Jesus says, the moon and sun will be dimmed and stars will fall from the heavens. Everyone will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds in his glory.

When the fig tree starts to bud and grow new leaves, summer is near. In the same way, when these things happen we will know Jesus’s return is close. Nobody knows the day nor the hour when these things will happen, only the Father in heaven.

When a man was going on a long journey, he gave instructions for all of his slaves about the work they should do. We too don’t know when Jesus will return, so we must stay alert

Application

Jesus himself did not know the dates and times of his return.

While most of the specific prophecies in Mark 13 relate to his coming in judgement on Jerusalem and the destruction of the temple in AD 70, it is true that Jesus will return at the end of the age to consummate his kingdom.

The important thing is that we are ready for his return. He tells us to watch. That doesn’t mean that we obsess over signs and seasons, looking for meaning in every event in the Middle East.

No, it means that we work hard to obey his commandments in the expectation that he could return at any time.

If Jesus returns tonight, will he find you living for him and serving him? Are you representing Jesus to your family, your church, your community?

Do you have a firm and steady faith that grows daily? Or are you dithering between faith and unbelief?

We must watch and be ready for him.

Listen

Lord, what do you want to say to me about this passage?

Keith, watching is an active word. It means to look intentionally at something.

I want my people to be watching me, not just for my return but also for daily instructions and directions.

Do not just live Your life on your own terms and according to your own desires, The way to life is to surrender everything to me. Die to your own desires so that you can live in me.