Be Ever Watchful for the Return of Christ

While Jesus and His disciples were in Jerusalem, one of His followers admired the Temple’s dazzling beauty. Jesus said it would be destroyed. Peter, James, John, and Andrew asked when this would happen. What signs will precede it?

Some see in Jesus’ response a timetable to predict the return of Christ. That misses His point entirely. He challenges you to watch. That includes living like a Christian during times of distress and upheaval.

Watch out because you can be deceived (Mark 13:5–8). Jesus warned that some would come falsely claiming to be the Messiah. They will try to convince you that the time for watchfulness is past. He has not yet returned.

Wars and natural disasters are merely the beginning of birth pangs. They occur in every generation. They are not final signs of the end. “The end is still to come” (Mark 13:7 NIV).

Be watchful, for you may suffer for your faith (Mark 13:9-13). All the Twelve did except Judas. So did many early Christians. Christians around the world today suffer for their faith.

Jesus said that before the end comes, “… the gospel must first be preached to all nations” (Mark 13:10 NIV). Do not look for the signs of the end. Get busy and spread the gospel.

Doing so increases the likelihood of persecution, especially in places where other religions dominate. Vital faith endures trials of every sort without folding. Those whose faith does not fail will be saved (Mark 13:13).

Watch out for the abomination that causes desolation (Mark 13:14-23). It has multiple fulfillments. Antiochus Epiphanes profaned the altar of burnt offering in Jerusalem in 186 B.C. The Romans desecrated the Temple in A.D. 70.

The final abomination that causes desolation will feature the Anti-Christ. Such trying times will be fertile soil for the signs and miracles of those pretending to be Christ. Watch out. Do not be deceived.

Watch out for Christ’s glorious return (Mark 13:24-37). It will be with power and great glory to gather His people from everywhere to always be with Him. You cannot accurately predict when Jesus will return (Mark 13:32-37). You must keep watching for Him.

Endure suffering and you will reign with Jesus. If you disown Him, He will disown you (2 Timothy 2:12).

You are like a football player during a game. Do not focus on the game clock. That is the coach’s concern. Your part is to go all out to throw the next pass, catch it, block, run with the ball, or tackle. Then, at the end of the game, you will not have to be ashamed. Be actively serving the Master when He returns. That is what faithful watchers do. What is your takeaway?

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God has empowered me to write His Power for Your Weakness—260 Steps Toward Spiritual Strength. It’s a free, evangelistic, devotional, and discipleship e-book. Pastors have used it in Malawi, Mozambique, and Zambia to lead 6,714 people to Christ and teach the basics of Christianity to 15,936 people. I invite you to explore and use it in your setting.

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