Central Truth

Jesus is coming and we must be watching for Him.

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Reflections

Mark Chapter 13 tells of the trials to come on the earth and the inhabitants of the earth before the coming of the Lord.  At the end of the chapter Jesus admonishes us several times to keep watch for His coming.  Jesus also admonishes us to watch in the parable of the ten virgins.  “So you, too, must keep watch! For you do not know the day or hour of My return." (Matthew 25:13)  

The foolish virgins of Matthew 25 did not have their lamps lit in expectation of the Groom.  Jesus wants us to watch and be ready for His return.  Mark 13 lists happenings and signs but also states that even Jesus does not know the day of His return.  We need to watch and be ready for His return at all times.  Mark 13:36 tells us not to be caught sleeping when Jesus comes.  

We keep watch by behaving ourselves in a Godly way knowing Christ's return could be imminent.  We guard our hearts and minds from sin.  We walk in the light.  We study the Word of God to recognize the signs of His coming.  Mark 13 verse 6 warns us not to allow ourselves to be deceived by false Messiahs.  We need to be on alert from falsehood.

When I was in the military, the barracks always had someone awake at night and standing guard/watch from the risk of theft, fire, and to answer the phone in case of an emergency involving another soldier or a national emergency.  I have also stood guard by pacing back and forth looking for anything amiss that would cause danger.  Staying awake and alert when I would rather be sleeping.  Everyone has heard the phrase that they didn't want anything bad to happen on their watch.  Jesus wants us to be ready, watching and waiting for His imminent return.

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Discussion Questions

1. Have any of the signs listed in the Bible happened already?
2. Would Jesus find you asleep if he returned today?
3. How do you keep watch?

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