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
In Alaska we have two natural measuring sticks or gauges to mark that the end of summer is near. Like the growth and leafing out of the fig tree's new branch, each takes some time to register the change of seasons. One is "read" on its way up; the other on its way down.
When the petals on the fireweed plant bloom, they move up the stalk—displaying a beautiful reddish purple before dropping off one by one, and keeping pace with the course of summer as its end draws near. In the downward direction, the marker is the "termination dust" (otherwise known as snow) that moves down the mountains until the gauge of summer drops to "empty."
New growth signals summer's start; fireweed and termination dust, mark the end of the same. Year after year they follow the same seasonal schedule, perhaps changing by only a few days one way or the other. The rhythm seems predictable, repetitious, progressive, deliberate, unhurried ...
But not so the surprising coming of the kingdom of God. Watch out! Stay awake! Keep alert!
Prayer
As I wait for the fulfillment of your kingdom, create in me a clean heart, O Lord, and renew within me a right spirit. Amen.