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
It is really difficult to know how to read a text like this. Is Jesus offering predictions about predicting the future? Are signs of the end of the world embedded in his remarks? Or is Jesus saying something else here? Perhaps the fig tree and the master of the house can help us sort things out. From the fig tree, Jesus says, we should learn to pay attention and, from the master of the house, we should learn to keep on our toes. Keep awake—pay attention! Not so we can predict the end of the world, but so that we can be ready to see God coming near, so that we won't miss heaven touching earth where and when we least expect it.
Prayer
Everlasting God, we know you hold our futures in your powerful and loving hands. Help us to keep awake and to pay attention to the work of your Spirit in our lives. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.