Be on guard and stay alert
I don’t think it’s a coincidence that the verse of the day is Mark 13:33; it really goes along with what I read in 1 Corinthians 16 today. Scholars debate whether Mark 13 refers to the destruction of the temple, the end times, or both. I lean more toward the side that it’s both. To me, Jesus seems to be speaking not just about the immediate future for His disciples, but also giving a warning that applies to the final days. The warnings about watching and staying alert make sense in both the historical context of Jerusalem’s fall and in the broader sense of being prepared for Christ’s return. Regardless, one day every person will face Jesus Christ, and we need to be on guard and stay alert.
‘32 However, no one knows the day or hour when these things will happen, not even the angels in heaven or the Son himself. Only the Father knows. 33And since you don’t know when that time will come, be on guard! Stay alert!’
Mark 13:32-33
Paul echoes this sentiment in 1 Corinthians 16.
‘13Be on guard. Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous. 14And do everything with love. 1 Corinthians 16:13-14
To be true disciples of Christ, we must guard our hearts and reflect on our thoughts, words, and actions daily. Am I alert and standing firm in my faith? Am I courageous in my faith? Am I doing everything with love?
We should devote time each morning or evening to reflect, pray, and ask the Holy Spirit for guidance, or we could spend a few minutes journaling about where we saw God’s presence that day. We can also pause throughout the day to examine our attitudes, ask for forgiveness when we fall short, and look for opportunities to show love to others in practical ways. Or, as I wrote about yesterday, offer a simple prayer before a task.