Are You Watching?

Mark 13:34-37  

  34“The coming of the Son of Man can be illustrated by the story of a man going on a long trip. When he left home, he gave each of his slaves instructions about the work they were to do, and he told the gatekeeper to watch for his return. 35 You, too, must keep watch! For you don’t know when the master of the household will return—in the evening, at midnight, before dawn, or at daybreak. 36 Don’t let him find you sleeping when he arrives without warning. 37 I say to you what I say to everyone: Watch for him!”

Jesus had spent three years preparing the first disciples to launch the church. The call was to be for disciples to make disciples everywhere God's Spirit would lead them. Notice that his illustration started with 'servants.'  This means that the 'Master' in his story had a relationship with people who knew their responsibility was to serve in the Master's name doing the Master's business, according to the Master's priorities. In his story, one of the responsibilities for some of the servants-- especially the 'gatekeeper' was to watch for the 'Master's' return. Why? So that the rest of the servants could be alerted to make all of the final preparations for the Master's arrival.

Jesus applied the story directly to the disciples-- and to us as well when He said that we, also, must keep watch. Are we watching for our Lord and Master's return? Are we keeping in mind all those things He has taught us to live out from His written inspired holy Word?  Are we living in unconditional regard for our fellow believers? Are we allowing God's Spirit within us to equip us with His love to share even with enemies? Are we caring for the needy? Or are we devoting our attentions to our own comforts, plans, desires, and goals? Jesus even pointed out in verse 36 that he says 'to everyone' to watch for Him. How are you watching today?

Your Servant in Christ's Love

Dan Elliott

drdanelliott@gmail.com