Mark 13:24-37 (NRSV)
Read Mark 13:24-37 on biblegateway.com
Verse 24"But in those days, after that suffering,
Verse 28"From the fig tree learn its lesson: as soon as its branch becomes tender and puts forth its leaves, you know that summer is near. Verse 29So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that he is near, at the very gates. Verse 30Truly I tell you, this generation will not pass away until all these things have taken place. Verse 31Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.
Verse 32"But about that day or hour no one knows, neither the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Verse 33Beware, keep alert; for you do not know when the time will come. Verse 34It is like a man going on a journey, when he leaves home and puts his slaves in charge, each with his work, and commands the doorkeeper to be on the watch. Verse 35Therefore, keep awake-for you do not know when the master of the house will come, in the evening, or at midnight, or at cockcrow, or at dawn, Verse 36or else he may find you asleep when he comes suddenly. Verse 37And what I say to you I say to all: Keep awake."
Devotion
Every school day I wake my kids up so they can get ready for the day. I wake the girls up first, and they usually pop out of bed. My son has a different pattern. I wake him up, turn on his light and then hover for a while close by, because I know he doesn't get up the first time. He usually rolls over and falls back to sleep until I say again, "Wake up and get ready!"
Jesus warns us about the danger of rolling over in the bed of our spiritual lives and falling asleep. We sometimes would rather pull the covers over our heads, but Jesus tells us to wake up and be ready, because he is coming and we want to be awake for that!
Prayer
Almighty God, awaken us to your Word so that we may be ready. Amen! Come, Lord Jesus.