Take Heed!

Take Heed

Mark 13:33 AMP

[33] “Be on guard and stay constantly alert [and pray]; for you do not know when the appointed time will come.

Just as it was in the days of Jesus, so is it now. The disciples could see the amazing structures, but Jesus made it clear that things were going to change. Things are happening around us that are frightening, and at the same time, inspiring. Everywhere you turn, standards are being lowered or compromised. Yet, in the face of all the uncertainties around us, there is a Word from God that makes it clear that a day of reckoning is coming. We have an assurance from God that things would not always be the same. How do you prepare the right way for an uncertain future? How do you get ready for an event whose timeline you are not sure about? 

This is where the verse above makes sense. It is not possible to get ready the right way for all that is ahead, without the help of the One who has set times and seasons in His own wisdom. He has apportioned times to all the activities and events under heaven, and they will happen at His instruction and direction. He has given us ample information about what these latter days will look like, and He has also provided us the tools and resources that we need to make the best use of these times. No one can claim ignorance of where we are now: the end times. All the events that Christ assured us will be the signs of the end times are already happening. 

So that there is no confusion, some of these events are: false claims by men to be the Messiah, wars and rumours of wars, famines, earthquakes in various places, and severe harassment because of our faith. Nowhere did God say that things wil be rosy; nowhere did God promise a life free of trials and tough times. What He promises is His presence that never leaves us, no matter what we go through. His Omniscience qualifies Him to speak to my present and future, which have already been determined, preserved, signed and sealed,  and will be delivered by His power. Nothing happens without His express permission. Nothing happens by accident. 

That is the comfort behind the words of the verse above. When I know that God has my back, why should I fret or worry? When He has sorted out my future,  why should the present be a burden? I may not know the day or the hour when He will come for me, but I can rest assured that whenever it happens, it will end in glory for me. That is why I must be on guard and stay constantly alert. I note the verse above adds: 'and pray'. It is not to shut my eyes in blissful ignorance, but to be aware and pray with understanding. I do not know when the appointed time will come, but being in God's hands makes the journey worth it. May I be worthy of heaven at the end of this present earthly phase. God's time of favour is here.