Word@Work 161 - Mark 13:32-34
Published: Tue, 07/08/08
Word@Work from BeaconLight
Read Mark 13:32-34 "No-one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Be on guard! Be alert! You do not know when that time will come. It's like a man going away: He leaves his house and puts his servants in charge, each with his assigned task, and tells the one at the door to keep watch. (NIV)
Jesus sums up His teaching about the need to be prepared for God's future timetable including persecutions and the judgement to come. As with every undefined event, the temptation is to ignore it ... until it is so close that you can see it. But Jesus said that would be too late. Even He accepted the human limitation of not knowing; so the timetable could not be prized out of Him. The command was, once again, to be on guard (against their own weak inclinations and the false claims of those who would be anti-Christ (even inside the church). The challenge was always to be ready.
In verse 34, the 'servants' are the disciples of Christ. They not only have to fulfil their roles, but they also have the responsibility to watch out, like Nehemiah's men (Nehemiah 4:17-18). The watchman role was well understood from Ezekiel 33:1-9 (it is interesting and important - do click the link), and Jesus applied it to these early disciples. They would to be left 'in charge of the shop'; not to indulge themselves, as in the parable of the selfish tenant farmers (Mark 12:1-12), but to ensure that the harvest would be ready for the Master's return.
In our age of materialism (despite the credit crunch), our attention is easily focussed on what we have now - and how we may gain more tomorrow. It is the wrong obsession! The defining moment for humanity is the return of the Master. All those who are wise will set their hearts on ensuring that He is satisfied when He arrives unannounced (except for these prophecies!).
Prayer: Dear Lord. I know, in my head, that You will return and expect that I will have completed the task you have given to me. But I often forget how close that day may be; and I am too easily distracted by the things that will be worthless compared to pleasing You. So please help me to get my priorities sorted ... starting today!
You can read more of this Bible passage online - in English and other languages - share the Bible with your friends!
Jesus sums up His teaching about the need to be prepared for God's future timetable including persecutions and the judgement to come. As with every undefined event, the temptation is to ignore it ... until it is so close that you can see it. But Jesus said that would be too late. Even He accepted the human limitation of not knowing; so the timetable could not be prized out of Him. The command was, once again, to be on guard (against their own weak inclinations and the false claims of those who would be anti-Christ (even inside the church). The challenge was always to be ready.
In verse 34, the 'servants' are the disciples of Christ. They not only have to fulfil their roles, but they also have the responsibility to watch out, like Nehemiah's men (Nehemiah 4:17-18). The watchman role was well understood from Ezekiel 33:1-9 (it is interesting and important - do click the link), and Jesus applied it to these early disciples. They would to be left 'in charge of the shop'; not to indulge themselves, as in the parable of the selfish tenant farmers (Mark 12:1-12), but to ensure that the harvest would be ready for the Master's return.
In our age of materialism (despite the credit crunch), our attention is easily focussed on what we have now - and how we may gain more tomorrow. It is the wrong obsession! The defining moment for humanity is the return of the Master. All those who are wise will set their hearts on ensuring that He is satisfied when He arrives unannounced (except for these prophecies!).
Prayer: Dear Lord. I know, in my head, that You will return and expect that I will have completed the task you have given to me. But I often forget how close that day may be; and I am too easily distracted by the things that will be worthless compared to pleasing You. So please help me to get my priorities sorted ... starting today!
You can read more of this Bible passage online - in English and other languages - share the Bible with your friends!
Why not share Word@Work with your friends - they can subscribe at http://www.beaconlight.co.uk/email!
If you value your free Word@Work - an occasional donation will help us to maintain and develop the ministry - thank you!
If you value your free Word@Work - an occasional donation will help us to maintain and develop the ministry - thank you!
W@W161 | Word@Work 2008 © Dr Paul Adams | Provided by BeaconLight
Contact us at wordatwork@beaconlight.co.uk
Your next Word@Work will be sent on