Begin with two minutes of stillness and silence before God.
Today, we are starting at the end - the second coming of Christ. The actual event will obviously come later, but this is a warning of what is to come. On one of the last days of Jesus’ life, He gives answers to questions and concerns that His followers hadn’t even considered yet. After leaving the Temple in Jerusalem, Jesus instructs His close inner circle, Peter, James, John, and Andrew, to watch and be on guard for things yet to come - the fall of the Temple in Jerusalem, violent persecution, and His second coming. Sometimes when we talk about Jesus' return, people are determined to nail down a date and time, while others just throw their hands up and say it doesn’t matter. Jesus shows us the correct response in this passage. Despite our not knowing a date or time, Jesus tells us to be alert, eager, and ready for His coming.
“Take heed, watch and pray; for you do not know when the time is.” Mark 13:33
In verses 34-36, Jesus shares a short parable to further explain these things to His followers. The story tells of a master who left his servants in charge of his house and his affairs while he was away. The master instructed them to anticipate his return at any time. But the master did not leave the servants without a place to work and wait, jobs to complete, and the authority to deal with matters in his absence.
Jesus knew He was about to die on the cross, rise from the grave, and return to His Father in heaven. He didn’t leave His followers without a promise to return and directions on how to wait well. Like the master in the story, our Master, Jesus, has left us with a place, purpose, and power. We don’t know the time or date of His return, but we do know what to do while we are waiting. He has given us a place in His Church, left us with a purpose in faithfully telling others who He is and what He has done, and provided us with power and spiritual gifts through the Holy Spirit to complete this mission. We aren’t called to just sit still! Jesus calls us to be faithful to what He has given us until He returns. Watch for the Master, eagerly await and pray for His return, but also be faithful to the place, power, and purpose He has given us.
Take two minutes to reflect in silence.