Mark 13

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Mark 13:32-37, “But about that day or hour no one knows, 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 their 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!’”

The topic of this chapter is eschatology, or end times. Scholars agree that this chapter most likely gathers all of Jesus’ teachings on the topic and consolidates them here.  I think one of the key features of this text is that Mark warns readers against making timetables and searching for the signs of the end of time.  Instead, Jesus tells his disciples to be watchful, to be ready, and to be on guard.  They are not to be deceived by the various signs or the people who think they know the signs.  After all, Jesus himself does not know the day or hour.  Simply be ready.

Are you ready? 

I find it fascinating how people have been trying to predict the end of time for hundreds, possibly thousands of years.  Around the world, people have pointed to various geographical and sociological signs and said, “This day will be doomsday!”  I’ve been around many people in Christian circles who want to point to this event or that event and say, “The end times must be near.”  And yet, Jesus clearly warns us against doing this in today’s reading.  As Christians, there is not anything for which we need to fear.  We simply have to be ready. 

Are you ready?

Let’s pray…Lord Jesus, Help us focus on you and you alone.  Help us be ready and watchful for your return.  Help us continue to point more people to your love and grace so they too can be ready and watchful.  In Your Name, Amen.