Always On Watch

Always on Watch

Read: Mark 13:32-37

“If he comes suddenly, do not let him find you sleeping.”

Mark 13:36

“[Jesus’ return] is not a reason for star-gazing, but for working in the power of the Holy Ghost.”

—Charles Spurgeon

IN WORD Jesus has placed His followers on the walls of this world, the earthly city. We are keeping watch. It is a fearful thing for the inhabitants within those walls if the owner returns for His reckoning and no one warns them. It is a disgraceful thing if the warning doesn’t come because the watchmen are asleep.

Jesus is protecting His followers from embarrassment. His warning is emphatic. “Watch out” (13:5). “You must be on your guard” (13:9). “Be on your guard” (13:23). “Be on guard! Be alert!” (v. 33). “Keep watch” (v. 35). “What I say to you, I say to everyone: ‘Watch!’” (v. 37). He does not repeat Himself because He is forgetful; He repeats Himself because it is extremely important, in an age of deception and persecution, to prepare oneself—and others—for His coming. Jesus could not be speaking any more strongly. His disciples absolutely must be alert.

Why is He so emphatic? Do true believers need to be worried about His return? Is He trying to strike fear into those to whom He has already promised safety and rest? No, Jesus does not want His followers to be anxious and worried. But He knows how easy it is to develop a passive spirit. There may be times when God has us sit very still and patiently, but He never wants our hearts to be passive observers of kingdom events. He wants our constant attention and a readiness to gird ourselves for action.

IN DEED The watchmen on the walls must always be alert. We must always be prepared to be pressed into service. We must pray diligently and zealously that His will would be done—in our own lives and in our world. We must see His kingdom as an imminent reality. We must live as those in a war zone—we may have times of respite but we can never retire. And we can never be too comfortable in our sleep.