I remember as a little girl in grade school, back in the mid-1960’s, often when the teacher had to step out of the classroom for a few minutes, some of the boys in the class would like to pull some pranks in the classroom. They would do things like putting the clock ahead 15 minutes, hide the chalk, toss the blackboard erasers around, etc. Before they would pull these pranks, the boys would always have one stand watch at the door to notify the room if the teacher was on her way back. At home, if we were going to sneak a snack or read late at night after “lights out” we had to be careful to watch for the parents. Even at work, when the boss or supervisors are out, some workers like to slack off a bit, but they need to watch out for when the supervisor returns. No one wants to get caught unprepared. In our reading today from the Gospel of Mark, Jesus warns us that we, too, need to be always on the alert.
Earlier in the chapter Jesus was talking to His disciples about the signs of the end times and signs of when He will return as King in glory. The disciples were eager to know exactly when this would happen. Would this happen in a few years? Within their lifetime? People have been wondering this ever since then. There have been many dozens of predictions made, where specific dates have been given for the return of Jesus. What did Jesus actually say when asked about dates for His return? In verse 32, He told us that no one knows the day or hour of His return. The angels don’t, and no person or preacher knows. He even said that He, the Son of God, didn’t know. Only the Father knows. When Jesus became a man, He temporarily gave up the unlimited use of His divine attributes (Philippians 2:6-8). Jesus voluntarily restricted His divine omniscience to only those things God wanted Him to know during His days as a man on earth. If someone says they know an exact date, you can be sure they are wrong. Instead of spending time trying to calculate when it will be, we should be spending our time being prepared for His return, as it could be at any time.
Just as a teacher gives us assignments to work on when they need to step out, and bosses do the same at work, so God has given each us our own work to do for His kingdom, and expects us to faithfully do it. We are to remain vigilant and watch for His return (vs 34-35). Those boys in my classroom as a child did not want to be caught goofing off, so they were careful and watching. God has warned us repeatedly to be alert and watchful. Jesus gave the example of head of a wealthy household who was leaving for an indeterminate time, giving each servant an assignment. They didn’t want to be caught not doing what they were supposed to be doing when the master returned. Jesus warns the same for us.
How are we to act as we wait for Jesus’s return? Earlier in this chapter Jesus told us some things. We are not be misled by false claims of what will happen in the end times (Mark 13:5-6). We are to be bold in telling others about Jesus (Mark 13:9-11). We are to stand firm in our faith (Mark 13:13). We are to be morally alert and obedient to all of God’s Word.
The unsaved world often mocks the idea of Jesus returning, saying that if it was true, where is He? People mocked Noah the same way. God had told him to build the ark because it would rain. There had never been rain before, and the people laughed and mocked. They did not take his warning, and they all drowned. People mock us in the same way for believing Jesus will return (II Peter 3:3-11). We can trust that God’s Word is true. He said He would return, and He will (vs. 31). Even when the earth passes away, the truth of God’s Words will never be changed or abolished. It is impossible for His Word to be altered or destroyed in any way. God and His Word are the only sure things.
Watch and pray (vs. 37). Be awake and alert, looking for His approaching return. Be alert and vigilant for the Master will return.
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