Therefore keep watch because you do not know when the owner of the house will come back—whether in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or at dawn. If he comes suddenly, do not let him find you sleeping. What I say to you, I say to everyone: ‘Watch!’
Mark 13:35-36 NIV
Jesus was clear that he was going to return. And, when he did, he would gather his elect from around the world. But when that return will occur is unknown. As much as we might like to be able to circle a date on the calendar, we will not know until it happens. And so we wait.
But what do we do while we wait? Are we watching? Or sleeping? Are we eagerly looking forward to his return? Or is it something we give no thought to? Are we being faithful to the task he assigned us? Or are we busy with our own affairs?
It has been nearly 2,000 years since Jesus told us he was returning. And we still do not know when it will happen. It could be another 2,000 years. Or it could be today. But regardless of when it happens, Jesus tells us not to be caught sleeping. Instead, we are to watch for his return, ready to greet him, and unashamed of our service to him while waiting (1 John 2:28).
Unless he returns in the next few years, I will have already gone to join him. But his admonition to me is still the same. Stay awake and watch. Live in the expectation that he could come for me at any time. And while I wait, carry out the task he has given me to do.
Maranatha – come, Lord Jesus!
Mr. Jarrett, thank you so much for creating this webpage and sharing what God in His Word has given you. I have been really uneasy lately about all the happenings in the world (especially with regard to Israel and the tragedy that took place)…my heart really hurts for them.
I also am a saved, born-again believer in Jesus. But, over these many years (I am 60 and was saved at 23), slowly am not about His work like I used to be. I’m finding that it’s getting harder and harder to find joy each day since there are not too many people even interested in talking about Jesus let alone entertaining the thought of becoming a Christian (not a lot of open doors like it was around 30 years ago). And, feel like I’m getting “caught up in the cares of this life more and more.” I don’t want to be unfruitful.
What my question is, the Bible has so many warnings to believers to “watch” and “be ready” and “be faithful to the end” and “to him who overcomes”…do all these warnings point to a person possibly not being “worthy” to be in the Rapture since they were not found watching? But, God would give them a type of protection/preservation to refuse the Mark during the 7 year Tribulation period (it speaks of those who refused the mark being in heaven — Rev. 20:4). Thank you for any help you can give in this or direction for a clearer understanding.
I am guessing I have a quite different view of end times than you do. I am more of an amillennialist than a dispensational premillennialist. I do believe that Jesus is returning for those who are his at the end of the age, not seven years prior to it. Those who were faithful to the end, will experience resurrection to life with Christ. God’s judgment awaits all others.
Thank you again for the encouraging and exhorting words.
I am thankful the Lord has seen fit to use me like this.