Be ready!

“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 the time will come . . .What I say to you, I say to everyone: ‘Watch!’” (Mark 13.32, 37)

There have always been those who want to try to predict when the return of Christ will happen. They get out their charts and diagrams. They point to modern events and people and try to ascribe direct connections to Biblical prophecy. I suppose there have been hundreds (maybe thousands) of direct connections made over the years, including different theories about who the antichrist will be.

But as I read this passage again this morning, I was reminded that this is not what Jesus wanted. He said that “no one knows” when He would return. But He does say “Be on guard! Be alert! Watch!” From reading the rest of the gospels, we know that He doesn’t mean “lock yourselves away from the world” or “get out all your charts and diagrams and try to guess when I’m coming back.” No! To be alert, to be on guard, to watch as a disciple of Christ means to be caught up in loving God and loving people. This is what Jesus means by “those who lose their life for my sake will find it.” Throw away the charts and diagrams! Don’t waste your time listening to the prognosticators! Be on guard and alert by giving yourself in service to God and God’s people. Then you will truly be ready for Jesus’ return!