TEXT: MARK 13:35–37 NKJV
[35] Watch therefore, for you do not know when the master of the house is coming—in the evening, at midnight, at the crowing of the rooster, or in the morning [36] lest, coming suddenly, he find you sleeping. [37] And what I say to you, I say to all: Watch!”
Discussion
Our Bible text today contains one of the direct teachings of Jesus Christ, given when His disciples asked about the day and time of His coming and the rapture. Jesus answered that no one knows the day or the hour, but He gave them signs to watch for. The amazing thing is that these signs are all around us in this generation.
Jesus’ final instruction regarding His coming, according to the Gospel of Mark, was that we should watch. To watch means to be alert and ready. He advised us not to sleep. This does not refer to literal sleep, but rather to being spiritually conscious and vigilant. The enemy is pouring out a spirit of slumber upon the world, causing many Christians who were once devoted to evangelism, prayer, and holy living to become distracted by other things.
The Bible text clearly states that the coming of the Son of God must not find us sleeping. It must not find us in a state where we have forgotten our first love for Jesus. As Christians, we must be ready for His coming.
For example, if you are expecting an important visitor, every time you hear the sound of a car, you look through the window because you are expectant. The way you would receive that visitor would be very different if you were asleep when the visitor knocked at the door.
Beloved, may the Lord help us all. We must not allow any distraction, for Jesus is coming back for the saints at any time, and we must be awake and ready to receive Him.
May we not miss the rapture, in Jesus’ name.
Declarations:
I shall not sleep the sleep of death. I shall be awake and ready to receive my Master whenever He comes for the saints in Jesus’ name Amen.
Light Up Christian Fellowship
