Mark 13: 24-37
“But in those days, following that distress,
” ‘ the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give us light; the stars will fall from the sky, and the heavenly bodies will be shaken.’
“At that time men will see the Son of Man coming in the 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.
“Now learn this lesson from the fig tree: As soon as its twigs get tender and its leaves come out, you know that summer is near. Even so, when you see these things happening, you know that it is near, right at the door. I tell you the truth, this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.
“No one knows about that day or hour, 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. It’s like a man going away: he leaves his house and puts his servants in charge, each with his 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. What I say to you, I say to everyone: ‘Watch!’ “
A Thought
Jesus had told his disciples to not be deceived, but be warned that great tribulations will happen. One will come saying that he is Christ and will deceive many. In the days after this happening, the sun will be dark, the moon will not have light and the heaven and the earth will be shaken. Then the Son of Man will come in the clouds and send his angels to gather his elect from the earth. It is not important to know when all these things will happen. It is important to keep watch, to be on guard, to be alert doing the things that the Father has assigned each to be doing. Only the Father knows when Christ will return and he does not want to find anyone sleeping. Jesus warns all again to Watch!
Our Prayer
Father thank you for your plan for our lives to be rescued from all sin and death. We trust you to cover us with the shed blood of Jesus to forgive us from all sin and unrighteousness. We want to be found working with the gifts and talents we have received from you to produce fruit for your kingdom. Awaken us by the power of your Holy Spirit to watch and be ready for your Son’s return. We ask in Jesus’ name, amen.
