READING: Genesis 32-34, Psalm 145, Mark 13
When Jesus spoke about His second coming in Mark 13, He spoke recurrently about the need for believers to be vigilant . . . on guard . . . watching and working when He comes:
- “Jesus told them, ‘Watch out that no one deceives you’” (Mark 13:5)
- “But you, be on your guard!” (Mark 13:9)
- “And you must watch! I have told you everything in advance” (Mark 13:23)
- “Watch! Be alert! For you don’t know when the time is coming” (Mark 13:33)
- “Therefore be alert, since you don’t know when the master of the house is coming” (Mark 13:35)
- “And what I say to you, I say to everyone: ‘Be alert!’” (Mark 13:37)
It’s hard to read these words and not ask myself, “How will the Lord find me when He returns?” Will I be serving Him fully, recognizing religious imposters and not being alarmed by wars and rumors of wars? Will I have been faithful to the end—even when obedience might land me in jail? Will I be watching for the return of the Master? Will I be trusting Him completely? These verses above resound with urgency and focus, but I confess that I don’t always live with that same level of discipline and concern. It’s easy, in fact, to talk about the return of Christ without allowing its reality to change our life at all.
That’s not where I want to be. My prayer is that the truth of Jesus’ coming would compel me toward godly living, consistent evangelism, and unwavering trust. I must watch and serve at the same time.
PRAYER: “Lord, help me to live in the light of Your possible return this day.”
TOMORROW’S READING: Genesis 35-37, Psalm 12, Mark 14