Mark 13:35-37

Mark 13:35-37:“35Therefore 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— 36lest he come suddenly and find you asleep. 37And what I say to you I say to all: Stay awake.””

No one loves it when guests show up unannounced. We like to know they are coming so we can be prepared. Jesus tells His followers to live with that same sense of readiness. We know He is coming, but we don’t know when, so we should always be ready for His return.

As Jesus wraps up the Olivet Discourse, He emphasizes the need to live in constant readiness for His return. He states, “But concerning that day or that hour, no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Be on guard, keep awake. For you do not know when the time will come.” Like servants waiting for their master to return, His followers should remain watchful and faithful because they do not know when He will come.

If Jesus were to come back right now, would you be ready? What would He find you doing? Would He be pleased with what He saw? The beautiful thing is that if you aren’t ready, you can get ready now and begin living your life in light of His return. That hope should keep us faithful and engaged in the work He has called us to do. Thinking you have more time is dangerous. We are not guaranteed tomorrow, so live today with the readiness of someone who knows they could see Jesus at any moment!

Father, we thank You for reminding us of the need to be ready at all times. Keep us faithful, engaged, and on mission as we await our Lord’s return. We pray this in Jesus’ name, amen.