Bible Reading: Deut. 20,21,22. Mark: 13:20-37
“And what I say unto you I say to all, Watch.” – Mark 13:37 (KJV)
To watch is to pay attention to, observe and guard. It connotes paying serious attention to an issue or event. By instructing us to watch Jesus was saying we should pay serious attention to these event so as to be ready when He comes. The above scripture is the concluding part of a long prophetic sermon on the events of the last days. Mind you, Jesus was speaking then, some two thousand years ago, of the events that will be taking place in our days. We are witnesses to wars and rumours of wars. In Mark 13:29b(KJV) Jesus said, “So ye in like manner, when ye shall see these things come to pass, know that it is nigh, even at the doors”.
As Christians we have no excuse whatsoever if we are caught unawares by His second coming. Enough information has been made very much available to us in scriptures. It is our responsibility to adhere to Christ’s instruction to watch. One of the ways to watch is to study the word of God. The reason why the scripture is written is for us to be properly guarded. The word of God abides eternally, it goes across all ages and cannot be altered. Jesus said concerning this prophetic declaration of the last days, “Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away.” – Mark 13:31(KJV).
To understand the importance attached to it the word “watch” was used several times e.g “Take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is” –Mark 13:33 (KJV), In verse 35a the bible says “Watch ye therefore:” No date was set for His coming, the particular month and time is not stated, hence Christ used events preceding His coming to keep us on alert. We are not told the particular hour or time, whether it is morning or afternoon, or evening. This is what makes it dicey and difficult. We must rely on God’s word and His leading in our waiting for His appearing in order to be properly guarded. Our master and Saviour never left us in the dark by giving us prophetic picture of activities of the last day. The major component in our watching is studying of the scriptures. This is to gain adequate knowledge and be well prepared to detect false teaching and doctrines concerning His coming.
This is why it is of uttermost necessity for someone to be in the bosom of Christ. So the question is, are you born again? Christ has already paid the price of sin and has secured you a place in heaven, all you need do is to accept Him into your life and confess His Lordship over your life. That decision should be now for the next hour may be too late. Jesus is the ticket to heaven and eternal bliss. Dear reader accept Christ now and be saved.
Prayer: Father, help to live pleasing you with heaven in view all the days of my life.
Bro. Joel Ezeugo