Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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Joyful expectation of Christ's coming
Mark 13:28-37
V33 Beware, keep alert; for you do not know when the time will come.
 

This passage refers to the second coming of Jesus Christ. The thrust of the whole chapter of 13 are the signs and symptoms of his arrival to the world. All these are the signs of the warnings to the church. The second coming is the hope of the church and Jesus Christ gives assurance about his second coming, but not of the time of it.

1. Be alert with discerning the world.
In Mark 13: 21-23, Jesus warns against them about false prophets. Jesus told them that many would come to give the wrong direction in the world. They will tempt you with false promises. They will show signs and wonders to prove their claims. A true believer should be able to discern false teachings, especially those concerned with second coming of Jesus Christ.

2. Be alert with signs and symptoms of Jesus's coming.
Jesus gives some signs and symptoms about his second coming. According to him, the sun will be darkened and the moon will not give its light. And stars will be falling from heaven and the powers that are in the heaven will be shaken and the Son of Man will come in clouds with great power and glory (Mark 13:24-26). A true believer should have a spiritual insight to identify and to recognize and be alert of the signs. Ignoring the signs means ignoring Jesus's second coming.

3. Be vigilant with preparation with the faithful.
The signs and wonders give the warning to be prepared and vigilant to receive the second coming. Don't be lazy or careless or irresponsible. But be alert because we don't know when it would happen. Be alert. Be awake. Be responsible and faithful because the master might come anytime. We should be accountable to the master who entrust us the responsibilities.

4. Be faithful to the eternity of the word of God.
Everything in the world will perish. Heaven and Earth will pass away but God's word will not pass away. This shows the eternity of the Word of God and the mortality of worldly things. It emphasizes that the dependence on worldly things will not help ultimately. On the other hand, when we depend on the Word of God, it will enable us to find the eternal God in eternity. Let us look upon the Word of God and let us attain the eternal Kingdom of God.

Let us discipline our life and prepare ourselves as we don't know about the time but surely he will come again to take his people.

 
PRAYER
Dear Lord, help me to be true and faithful to you and thus be prepared for your coming, Amen.
 
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
Being true to God in conscience and growing in relationship with the Word is an essential step in preparing for Christ’s coming.
Rev. Baby John, Adoor Immanuel MTC, Kerala.

Christian Education Forum, Diocese of NAE of the Mar Thoma Church

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