Mark 13:31-37: 14:1-2 - Don't be Surprised!

The Lord said to his disciples, "Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away. But of that day or that hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Take heed, watch; for you do not know when the time will come. It is like a man going on a journey, when he leaves home and puts his servants in charge, each with his work, and commands the doorkeeper to be on the watch. Watch therefore -- for you do not know when the master of the house will come, in the evening, or at midnight, or at cockcrow, or in the morning -- lest he come suddenly and find you asleep. And what I say to you I say to all: Watch." It was now two days before the Passover and the feast of Unleavened Bread. And the chief priests and the scribes were seeking how to arrest him by stealth, and kill him; for they said, "Not during the feast, lest there be a tumult of the people.

Taken by Surprise!
photo by Orin Zebest, used under the creative commons license.
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Jesus says His return is like a man who goes on a long journey.  Before he leaves, he gives everyone their assignment and expects them to be hard at work while he is gone and up until he returns.  How they must have been tempted to take their ease, sleep in, slack off in their work because, after all, the Master was no where to be seen. My Master is gone but promises to return and I believe Him.

Am I hard at work at what Jesus would have me do? Am I loving those around me, especially those under my own roof? Am I attentive to prayer and worship with God's people? Or do I sleep a little longer because  the Master has not yet returned. Yes, I should be on watch! I would not want to be taken by surprise at the Lord's return but, rather, waiting in eager expectation. Everyday is a day that could end with me giving account to the Master. Whether He returns or I go to Him, sooner or later, I must face Him.

O Lord, I do not know when You shall return. Help me to be hard at work at what You have given me to do.  I do not want to be embarrassed nor do I want to be counted as slothful.  Help me to be Your faithful servant. Amen.