Watch! Be Alert; Jesus is Returning Soon

By Pastor Matthew

Mark 13: 5-13
And Jesus, answering them, began to say: ”Take heed that no one deceives you. For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am He, and will deceive many.  But when you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be troubled; for such things must happen, but the end is not yet.  For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom.   And there will be earthquakes in various places, and there will be famines and troubles.  These are the beginnings of sorrows. “But watch out for yourselves, for they will deliver you up to councils, and you will be beaten in the synagogues. You will be brought before rulers and kings for My sake, for a testimony to them.  And the gospel must first be preached to all the nations. But when they arrest you and deliver you up, do not worry beforehand, or premeditate what you will speak. But whatever is given you in that hour, speak that; for it is not you who speak, but the Holy Spirit.  Now brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child; and children will rise up against parents and cause them to be put to death. And you will be hated by all for My name’s sake. But he who endures to the end shall be saved.”

Mark 13:34-37
It is like a man going to a far country, who left his house and gave authority to his servants, and to each his work, and commanded the doorkeeper to watch. Watch therefore, for you do not know when the master of the house is coming-in the evening, at midnight, at the crowing of the rooster, or in the morning- lest, coming suddenly, he find you sleeping.  And what I say to you, I say to all: Watch!”

Jesus is telling us that in the last days we have to be strong and to stand firm regarding our belief in Jesus Christ.  We must contend for Holiness and righteousness in a world that is contrary to the Holiness and righteousness of God.  Jesus tells us to not be caught sleeping, rather be alert and watchful for not only the signs forecasting His return, but all His physical return as well.

Being alert and watchful is not passive, rather it is actively pursuing the cause of Christ.  To make a difference in this world, the Body of Christ must be actively engaged in spiritual warfare so the Gospel message can go forth in our communities and the world. 

Please share your thoughts on this message of being alert and watchful.  Share with us experiences you have had in regards to what Jesus is speaking about in the above passage of Scripture.  I would love to hear your thoughts.