In The Word
Read Mark 13:24-37
The Return of Christ
24 “But in those days, after that tribulation, the sun will be darkened and the moon will not give its light, 25 and the stars will be falling from heaven, and the powers that are in the heavens will be shaken. 26 Then they will see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory. 27 And then He will send forth the angels, and will gather together His elect from the four winds, from the farthest end of the earth to the farthest end of heaven.
28 “Now learn the parable from the fig tree: when its branch has already become tender and puts forth its leaves, you know that summer is near. 29 Even so, you too, when you see these things happening, recognize that He is near, right at the door. 30 Truly I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things take place. 31 Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will not pass away.32 But of that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but the Father alone.
33 “Take heed, keep on the alert; for you do not know when the appointed time will come. 34 It is like a man away on a journey, who upon leaving his house and putting his slaves in charge, assigning to each one his task, also commanded the doorkeeper to stay on the alert. 35 Therefore, be on the alert—for you do not know when the master of the house is coming, whether in the evening, at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or in the morning— 36 in case he should come suddenly and find you asleep. 37 What I say to you I say to all, ‘Be on the alert!’”
New American Standard Bible (NASB) Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation
Walking In The Word
One day, darkness will cover this earth and the heavens will be shaken. Then all will see the Lord coming in the clouds with great power and glory. He will send His angels to redeem and to gather His true followers. We are given signs to see that the time is near, but the exact timing is known only to Father. Some believe that day is so far away they have plenty of time to think about it, and they live their lives accordingly.
While the Lord is patient, wanting everyone to repent and willingly submit to Him, He will not be slow about His promise. That day will come suddenly like a thief, and He will be right at the door. Therefore, we should be on the alert and, right now, live holy in all our behavior. Heaven and earth will pass away but His Words will never pass away.
No one will sleep through that day, but many go through this life half asleep, not paying attention to the signs. They are so focused on themselves that they don’t see the signs that are right in front of them. Ephesians Chapter 5 warns us to wake up! We are to be careful and make the most of our time here. The true believers live this life on alert and in diligent obedience to the Lord and His teachings. Their focus is on Him and His kingdom. Don’t be found asleep on the job. Instead, be found alert, faithfully doing the work of the Father, completing the task you have been given.