As we gather on this first Sunday of Advent, our hearts are filled with anticipation and hope as we await the coming of our Savior, Jesus Christ. Today's Gospel message comes from Mark 13:24-37, Vigilance in Uncertain Times. In today's message, Jesus speaks to his disciples about the end times and the importance of watchfulness.
Let us revisit the text:
Let us revisit the text:
“But in those days, following that distress,Loving God, as we begin this season of Advent, open our hearts and minds to receive your word. Help us to be watchful and prepared for the coming of your Son, Jesus Christ, in whose name we pray. Amen.
“‘the sun will be darkened,
and the moon will not give its light;
the stars will fall from the sky,
and the heavenly bodies will be shaken.’
“At that time people will see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory. And he will send his angels and gather his elect from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of the heavens.
“Now learn this lesson from the fig tree: As soon as its twigs get tender and its leaves come out, you know that summer is near. Even so, when you see these things happening, you know that it is near, right at the door. Truly I tell you, this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.
“But about that day or hour no one knows, 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 their assigned task, and tells the one at the door to keep watch.
“Therefore keep watch because you do not know when the owner of the house will come back—whether in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or at dawn. If he comes suddenly, do not let him find you sleeping. What I say to you, I say to everyone: ‘Watch!’”” (Mark 13:24-37, NIV)
“Watchfulness and Hope
in the Midst of Darkness”
by Kenny Sallee, ThM
by Kenny Sallee, ThM
Introduction:
In Mark 13:24-37, Jesus speaks to his disciples about the signs that will precede his second coming. He describes a time of darkness and turmoil, where the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light. But in the midst of this darkness, the Son of Man will come in glory, gathering his elect from the four winds.
These verses can be difficult to understand and even frightening. The imagery of the darkened sun and moon evokes a sense of despair and hopelessness. Yet, Jesus offers a message of hope and reassurance. In the midst of the darkness, the Son of Man will come in glory, bringing light and salvation.
This message is particularly relevant to us today, as we face our own challenges and difficulties. The darkness may seem overwhelming at times, but we must remember that Jesus is our light and our hope. He has promised to come again, and we must be watchful and prepared for his coming.
A Closer Look:
In this passage, Jesus speaks to His disciples about the signs of the end times, the coming of the Son of Man, and the importance of being watchful. This text can be divided into three main sections: the signs of the end times (verses 24-27), the lesson of the fig tree (verses 28-31), and the call to watchfulness (verses 32-37).
The Signs of the End Times:
First, Jesus describes a time of great turmoil and change. He uses vivid imagery of the sun being darkened, the moon not giving its light, and the stars falling from the sky. These cosmic disturbances signify a significant shift in the world as we know it. Yet, in the midst of this chaos, we see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory. This is a picture of hope and redemption.
The Son of Man, a title Jesus often used to refer to himself, will come with great power and glory, bringing salvation to His people. He will send His angels to gather the elect from all corners of the earth, a promise that extends to all believers, transcending geographical and cultural boundaries.
This passage serves as a reminder that, while we wait in anticipation for the coming of Christ, we are not left in darkness. The promise of Jesus' return is a beacon of hope that guides us in our journey of faith. It encourages us to be watchful and prepared, knowing that Christ could return at any time to gather His people and establish His kingdom.
The Lesson of the Fig Tree:
Second, Jesus tells the parable of the fig tree. Just as we know that summer is near when the fig tree's branches become tender and its leaves come out, so too will we know that the end is near when we see the signs that Jesus has described. Heaven and earth will pass away, but Jesus' words will never pass away. This is a reminder of the eternal nature of Christ and His teachings. The message is clear: be observant, be discerning, and be ready, for the coming of the kingdom is imminent.
It is worth noting that the fig tree is a common biblical symbol for Israel, and it often represents the spiritual health or faithfulness of the nation. In this context, the fig tree might also symbolize the people of God, and the budding of the tree could represent the flourishing of faith and righteousness in anticipation of the coming kingdom.
However, Jesus also offers a word of caution. He says that "heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away." This is a stark reminder of the transient nature of the world and the eternal nature of God's word. It serves as a call to ground our lives in the teachings of Christ, for they are the only thing that will endure when all else falls away.
The Call to Watchfulness:
Lastly, Jesus calls us to be watchful and alert. We do not know when the end will come, but we must be prepared. Just as a man going away leaves his house in charge of his servants, giving each one their assigned task, so too must we be faithful in the tasks that God has given us. We must keep watch, for we do not know when the master of the house will return.
Jesus acknowledges that the precise timing of the end times is unknown, a mystery held by the Father alone. This acknowledgment is an important reminder of the limits of human knowledge and understanding, especially in matters related to divine timing.
In light of this uncertainty, Jesus commands his followers to "be on guard" and "be alert." The metaphor of a man leaving his house in the care of his servants, each with their own task, highlights the responsibility of Jesus' followers to continue the work of the kingdom in his absence. The servant at the door, tasked with keeping watch, represents the need for vigilance and preparedness.
The exhortation to watchfulness is not just a call to be ready for the second coming of Christ, but also a call to live attentively and faithfully in the present. Being watchful means being fully present to the needs of the world, actively engaging in acts of love and service, and remaining steadfast in faith.
The final verse, "What I say to you, I say to everyone: ‘Watch!’” underscores the universal nature of Jesus' message. This call to watchfulness is not limited to the disciples or to any particular time and place; it is a timeless exhortation that applies to all followers of Christ, in every age.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, as we step into the season of Advent, a season of waiting and anticipation, let us heed the words of Jesus in Mark 13:24-37. Just as the fig tree buds and signals the arrival of summer, the signs of our times, no matter how challenging or perplexing, point us to the imminent arrival of God's kingdom.
Jesus' vivid imagery of a darkened sun, a moon that does not give its light, and stars falling from the sky speaks to the tumultuous times in which we live. Yet, in the midst of this chaos, we see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory, a beacon of hope and promise.
The lesson of the fig tree reminds us to be observant, discerning, and ready, for the kingdom of God is at hand. We must be watchful and prepared, faithful in the tasks that God has given us, ever ready to receive Christ when He comes again in glory.
In the meantime, let us be mindful of the ways in which we can be a light to those around us, sharing the hope and love of Christ in a world that is often filled with darkness and despair. Let us strive to live in the light of Christ's promise, watchful and ready for His return.
Reflection:
As we reflect on this passage, let us consider how we are being watchful and prepared for the coming of Christ. Are we being faithful in the tasks that God has given us? Are we being observant and mindful of the signs of the times, recognizing that God is at work in the world?
Advent is a time of reflection and anticipation. It is a time to prepare our hearts and lives for the coming of our Savior. Let us be watchful and alert, ready to receive Christ when He comes again in glory.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, as we step into this season of Advent, help us to be watchful and prepared, ready to receive your Son, Jesus Christ, when He comes again in glory. May we be faithful in the tasks you have given us, ever mindful of the ways in which we can share your love and hope with those around us. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.
Scripture is taken from The Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. Gospel message by Kenny Sallee, ThM.
In today's message, Jesus speaks to his disciples about the end times and the importance of watchfulness.
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