Stay Awake & Alert
The Signs of His Coming: Staying Awake and Alert
In a world filled with distractions and constant noise, it's easy to lose sight of what truly matters. Yet, as believers, we're called to a higher purpose - to stay awake and alert, watching for the signs of Christ's return. This isn't just a passive waiting game; it's an active state of readiness that should permeate every aspect of our lives.
The fig tree teaches us a valuable lesson. Just as its tender branches and new leaves signal the approach of summer, so too do the signs around us point to the nearness of Christ's return. We're reminded of Jesus' words in Mark 13:28-29: "From the fig tree learn its lesson: as soon as its branch becomes tender and puts out its leaves, you know that summer is near. So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that he is near, at the very gates."
But what are these signs we should be watching for? Scripture speaks of wars and rumors of wars, nations rising against nations, earthquakes, and famines. These are described as the "beginning of birth pains" - early indicators of the greater events to come. We're also warned of false Christs arising, leading many astray. Perhaps most significantly, we're told to watch for the "abomination of desolation" - a future event where the Antichrist will desecrate the temple, setting himself up as God.
As we observe world events unfolding, it's natural to wonder: Are we living in the end times? While no one can know the exact day or hour of Christ's return, we're called to be vigilant and discerning. Jesus himself said, "Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away" (Mark 13:31). This powerful statement reminds us of the eternal nature of God's truth, even as the world around us seems increasingly unstable.
Interestingly, Scripture provides some specific timeframes related to end-time events. References in Daniel and Revelation speak of a period of 3.5 years (also described as 42 months or 1,260 days) during which the Antichrist will have authority and the Jewish people will flee to the wilderness. While these details can help us understand the sequence of events, they shouldn't lead us into complacency. The key message remains: Be ready at all times.
Jesus illustrates this readiness with the parable of the doorkeeper. Like a servant tasked with staying awake for his master's return, we too must remain alert. "Therefore stay awake—for you do not know when the master of the house will come, in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or in the morning— lest he come suddenly and find you asleep" (Mark 13:35-36).
This call to watchfulness isn't just for a select few; it's for all believers throughout history. "And what I say to you I say to all: Stay awake" (Mark 13:37). But what does it mean to truly stay awake in a spiritual sense?
1. Be Alert to God's Voice: In our fast-paced world, it's crucial to create space for silence and reflection. Turn off the TV, put down the phone, and spend intentional time listening for God's guidance. Ask Him to speak to your heart and awaken you to His presence.
2. Live Righteously: Knowing that Christ could return at any moment should motivate us to live lives that are pleasing to God. Examine your actions, thoughts, and motivations. Are there areas of your life that need alignment with God's will?
3. Use Time Wisely: Every day is a gift, and we're called to make the most of our time "for the days are evil" (Ephesians 5:16). Ask God how He wants you to use each day for His glory. Even small acts of kindness and encouragement can have eternal significance.
4. Strengthen Others: We're not on this journey alone. Reach out to fellow believers, offering prayer, support, and words of hope. A simple text message or phone call can be a powerful reminder of God's love working through His people.
5. Study Scripture: Immerse yourself in God's Word, allowing it to shape your worldview and deepen your understanding of His plans. The more we know His truth, the better equipped we'll be to recognize the signs of His coming.
As we look at the world around us, it's easy to become discouraged or even fearful. But for believers, the signs of Christ's return should fill us with hope and anticipation. In Luke 21:28, Jesus offers this encouragement: "Now when these things begin to take place, straighten up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near."
Let this truth sink deep into your heart. The same God who created the universe, who set the moon and stars in their orbits, who established the perfect conditions for life on Earth - this God is intimately involved in human history. He's working out His perfect plan, and nothing can thwart His purposes.
As we wait for Christ's return, we're not called to passive observation. Instead, we're invited to active participation in God's kingdom work. Every act of love, every word of truth spoken, every moment spent in prayer - these are ways we stay awake and alert, hastening the day of His coming.
So today, lift up your eyes. Look beyond the temporary troubles of this world to the eternal hope we have in Christ. Let the signs around you fuel your passion for the Gospel and your longing for His return. And in all things, stay awake - for our redemption is drawing near.
In a world filled with distractions and constant noise, it's easy to lose sight of what truly matters. Yet, as believers, we're called to a higher purpose - to stay awake and alert, watching for the signs of Christ's return. This isn't just a passive waiting game; it's an active state of readiness that should permeate every aspect of our lives.
The fig tree teaches us a valuable lesson. Just as its tender branches and new leaves signal the approach of summer, so too do the signs around us point to the nearness of Christ's return. We're reminded of Jesus' words in Mark 13:28-29: "From the fig tree learn its lesson: as soon as its branch becomes tender and puts out its leaves, you know that summer is near. So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that he is near, at the very gates."
But what are these signs we should be watching for? Scripture speaks of wars and rumors of wars, nations rising against nations, earthquakes, and famines. These are described as the "beginning of birth pains" - early indicators of the greater events to come. We're also warned of false Christs arising, leading many astray. Perhaps most significantly, we're told to watch for the "abomination of desolation" - a future event where the Antichrist will desecrate the temple, setting himself up as God.
As we observe world events unfolding, it's natural to wonder: Are we living in the end times? While no one can know the exact day or hour of Christ's return, we're called to be vigilant and discerning. Jesus himself said, "Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away" (Mark 13:31). This powerful statement reminds us of the eternal nature of God's truth, even as the world around us seems increasingly unstable.
Interestingly, Scripture provides some specific timeframes related to end-time events. References in Daniel and Revelation speak of a period of 3.5 years (also described as 42 months or 1,260 days) during which the Antichrist will have authority and the Jewish people will flee to the wilderness. While these details can help us understand the sequence of events, they shouldn't lead us into complacency. The key message remains: Be ready at all times.
Jesus illustrates this readiness with the parable of the doorkeeper. Like a servant tasked with staying awake for his master's return, we too must remain alert. "Therefore stay awake—for you do not know when the master of the house will come, in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or in the morning— lest he come suddenly and find you asleep" (Mark 13:35-36).
This call to watchfulness isn't just for a select few; it's for all believers throughout history. "And what I say to you I say to all: Stay awake" (Mark 13:37). But what does it mean to truly stay awake in a spiritual sense?
1. Be Alert to God's Voice: In our fast-paced world, it's crucial to create space for silence and reflection. Turn off the TV, put down the phone, and spend intentional time listening for God's guidance. Ask Him to speak to your heart and awaken you to His presence.
2. Live Righteously: Knowing that Christ could return at any moment should motivate us to live lives that are pleasing to God. Examine your actions, thoughts, and motivations. Are there areas of your life that need alignment with God's will?
3. Use Time Wisely: Every day is a gift, and we're called to make the most of our time "for the days are evil" (Ephesians 5:16). Ask God how He wants you to use each day for His glory. Even small acts of kindness and encouragement can have eternal significance.
4. Strengthen Others: We're not on this journey alone. Reach out to fellow believers, offering prayer, support, and words of hope. A simple text message or phone call can be a powerful reminder of God's love working through His people.
5. Study Scripture: Immerse yourself in God's Word, allowing it to shape your worldview and deepen your understanding of His plans. The more we know His truth, the better equipped we'll be to recognize the signs of His coming.
As we look at the world around us, it's easy to become discouraged or even fearful. But for believers, the signs of Christ's return should fill us with hope and anticipation. In Luke 21:28, Jesus offers this encouragement: "Now when these things begin to take place, straighten up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near."
Let this truth sink deep into your heart. The same God who created the universe, who set the moon and stars in their orbits, who established the perfect conditions for life on Earth - this God is intimately involved in human history. He's working out His perfect plan, and nothing can thwart His purposes.
As we wait for Christ's return, we're not called to passive observation. Instead, we're invited to active participation in God's kingdom work. Every act of love, every word of truth spoken, every moment spent in prayer - these are ways we stay awake and alert, hastening the day of His coming.
So today, lift up your eyes. Look beyond the temporary troubles of this world to the eternal hope we have in Christ. Let the signs around you fuel your passion for the Gospel and your longing for His return. And in all things, stay awake - for our redemption is drawing near.
Posted in Book of Mark
Recent
Archive
2025
March
No Comments