A wonderful Wednesday morning to you, friend! May our Good God bless you and all of your loved ones today!
Read Mark 13:28 – 37.
Our reading today consists solely of the words of Our Lord as He answers a question posed by four of His disciples. In this “end times” discourse, Jesus describes in great detail the signs and events leading up to His return. And then, beginning in vv 28, Our Lord abruptly shifts gears to tell His followers (including all of us) what we should be doing as we wait for Him.
vvs 28 – 32 comprise what is commonly known as “The Parable of the Fig Tree”. Jesus, using a simple and familiar reference for the disciples, cites the fig tree’s perfect routine of “tender branches -> leafing -> then summer” to tell all of us that end times events will follow one after another in a pattern that will be readily discernible. This parable is related to the commendation given to the “sons of Issachar who had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do” (I Chronicles 12:32). Some translations read that the sons of Issachar were more “noble”, because they had an understanding of the times in which they lived, and knew exactly how their people (Israel) should respond. Brothers, in these critical times, let us each ask our Good God to give us vision and understanding, so that we will know what to do!
In vvs 32 – 37, Jesus clearly cautions that only the Father knows when the Son will return – not the angels, and not even the Lord Jesus Himself! Having said that, however, Jesus does clearly instruct us on what we are to do while we are waiting:
vv 33: take heed – WATCH – pray
vv 34: have authority – work – WATCH
vv 35: WATCH
vv 36: don’t sleep
vv 37: WATCH
I think it is pretty obvious that Our Lord expects us to WATCH while we are awaiting His return. The Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary includes these entries (among others) for the word watch: to keep vigil as a devotional exercise; to be attentive or vigilant; to keep guard; to keep someone or something under close observation; to be expectant; to observe closely in order to check on action or change; to take care of : TEND.
We generally think of watching as a completely passive activity. For example, we while away our time as we idly “watch” a television program. But, considering the word “watch” in the context of both the dictionary definition(s) above and the admonition of Our Lord Jesus as contained in today’s scripture, it is clear that the instruction to “watch” is anything but passive.
Look again at how the word watch is defined, but this time review the definitions from the perspective of a Believer and a “Kingdom Builder” – think about what it means to “watch” given what you know about Our Lord’s expectations and instructions. And, from today forward, commit to WATCH as Jesus commands: actively and with discernment.
Lord Jesus, You have surely promised that You are returning – gloriously, and suddenly! Until that day, Lord, give me wisdom, and insight, and understanding. Help me to properly and actively watch for Your return, Jesus. Give me the strength and endurance and perseverance that I need to watch for You! Amen!