Mark Devotionals
[Please read and meditate on the passage before (or after) reading the devotion.]
Children do this well – keeping watch for a parent to come home after a period of time. The parent’s return is anticipated and celebrated, all because of the love relationship between that parent and child. (The exception is when that parent makes such a habit of being away and shows no reciprocal yearning; their coming or going makes little difference!) Jesus wants his return (what we normally call “the second coming”) to be as anticipated. The only difference is that we will not know when. It will be a surprise, but is meant to be a pleasing and welcome surprise. Unless we are not prepared for him – then it will come as a shock! Jesus actually encourages us about being prepared. In the first place he lets us know that as a disciple he entrusts us with Kingdom responsibility that involves other souls. And secondly he gives us the wisdom (if we ask) to be able to see the signs of his coming that will, in turn encourage us to be faithful. The question is: how prepared are you?
Prayer: Your Word says that if anyone lacks wisdom they should ask in faith, and you will give it. I need your wisdom, Lord, to be able to see the times and where our world is heading. I know this is not to feel sorry for ourselves or find fault with the world. It is to feel excited about your coming back, so that we will be with the One that loves us more than anyone in all creation. It is also to move us to fulfil our responsibilities as your disciples to a world of lost and neglected souls – to care for them and bring them into your Kingdom. I’m learning to watch for you Lord Jesus; teach me to wait faithfully. Amen.
