Jesus said, “Take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is.” St. Mark 13:33 (KJV)
We have all enjoyed the energy that anticipation of future events gives us in the present. Expectant parents find joy in assembling the crib, painting the nursery, practicing the pushing and breathing. Residents of a small town eagerly await the visit of a celebrity or dignitary. Lawns are mowed, sidewalks swept, cracked windows repaired at City Hall, colorful banners stretched across major intersections. Every action has meaning, because we anticipate a future event. It is sad when we lose the excitement of anticipation to the apathy of disappointment.
In today’s passage, Jesus responds to his disciples’ questions concerning future events (v.4). Note that his first response is “Take heed lest anyone deceive you” (v.5). Then in verse 33 he finishes with three exhortations. First, “take heed.” Second, “watch.” Third, “pray.” All three exhortations relate to the return of the Son of Man. Taking heed is the intelligent observance of what is occurring around us. It includes what is happening in us and to us. Watching is the active practice of faith in the present while hopefully anticipating the future. Praying is the constant spiritual vigilance against the loss of hope and anticipation.
2000 years after the Lord’s departure, it is difficult to stand on tiptoes anticipating his return. The tragedy of our times is that we can lose excitement, anticipation, and hope to the apathy of disappointment. That may be due to an inordinate focus on heavenly things. While the return of our King is still in the future, we must not ignore the challenges in the present. God is in control of the schedule of events. We may be confident that those who endure to the end will not miss the Lord’s return. Meanwhile back in the present, there are events and issues that challenge us as Citizens of the Kingdom of God. Life is full of opportunities. They must not be ignored!
We anticipate but our anticipation is funneled through the self-discipline of taking heed to ourselves and our world. We anticipate but our anticipation is focused by involvement while waiting and patiently watching the Scripture unfold before us. We anticipate but our anticipation is fueled by vigilant prayer. Vigilant praying is not a weak-kneed pleading for circumstances to change. Rather, it is the fervent approach to the throne of grace with confident reminders of God’s promises to those who love his appearing.
Jesus says, “What I say unto you I say unto all, Watch” (v.37).
Dear Father, thank you for your grace and mercy. Thank you for warning us of deceptions and exhorting us to vigilance. O, Lord, deliver us from the apathy of disappointment. Empower us with hope and enable us to endure to the end. This I pray in Jesus’ name. AMEN
Let us praise God for his promise to return and live in anticipating hope,