Scripture
“Therefore keep watch because you do not know when the owner of the house will come back—whether in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or at dawn. If he comes suddenly, do not let him find you sleeping. What I say to you, I say to everyone: ‘Watch!’” – Mark 13:35-37 (NIV)
Observation
In this passage, Jesus uses the metaphor of a homeowner and their servants to illustrate the importance of staying alert and ready for His return. The repeated command to “watch” emphasizes vigilance and spiritual preparedness. We don’t know the exact timing of Christ’s second coming, but we are encouraged to live each day as if it could be today. It’s not about living in fear but in faithful anticipation, ensuring our lives align with God’s will.
Other Scriptures expand on this, urging us to combine vigilance with prayer and sobriety. For example:
Luke 21:36: “Be always on the watch, and pray that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen.” Prayer is highlighted as a way to stay connected to God and seek His strength.
1 Peter 5:8: “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” Sobriety involves staying spiritually focused and resisting distractions or harmful influences.
1 Thessalonians 5:6: “So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be awake and sober.” Spiritual sobriety means staying grounded in faith and living intentionally for Christ.
To “stay sober” is to remain clear-minded, self-disciplined, and spiritually grounded, avoiding anything that might cloud judgment or hinder our connection to God. It’s about being intentional in our walk with Christ and resisting both spiritual and worldly distractions.
Key observations:
Uncertainty of timing: The “evening, midnight, rooster crows, or dawn” symbolizes unpredictability.
Warning against spiritual complacency: “Being ‘asleep’ symbolizes neglecting my relationship with God and losing sight of the ultimate God which is to becoming more like Christ. It’s all too easy for me to become consumed by work, overwhelmed by worries, or driven by selfish desires, causing me to lose focus on the ultimate goal of running the race set before us with faith and perseverance.
Universality of the command: Jesus extends the call to “watch” to everyone—no one is exempt from this responsibility.
Application
This passage challenges me to reflect on my readiness for Christ’s return. Am I living a life that reflects my faith and obedience to God? How do I prioritize my relationship with Him amidst daily distractions? In which areas of my life have I become “spiritually drowsy.”?
Practical steps:
- Daily Prayer and Study: Stay connected to God through prayer and Scripture.
- Spiritual Alertness: Stay mindful of my actions and decisions, ensuring they honor God and reflect His will. Resist the temptation to place undue hope in people or a single individual to solve life’s challenges, remembering that ultimate guidance and deliverance come from the Lord alone.
- Encourage Others: Share the message of hope and encourage others to remain vigilant in their faith.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding me of the importance of staying watchful and prepared for Your return. Help me to live each day with purpose and faithfulness. Strengthen me to resist distractions and spiritual complacency. May I be a light to others, encouraging them to stay vigilant as well. Come, Lord Jesus, and find me ready. Amen.
