Watch for Him!

Dean Burnetti

January 31

‭Mark‬ ‭13:34‭-‬37‬ ‭- [34] "The coming of the Son of Man can be illustrated by the story of a man going on a long trip. When he left home, he gave each of his slaves instructions about the work they were to do, and he told the gatekeeper to watch for his return. [35] You, too, must keep watch! For you don't know when the master of the household will return—in the evening, at midnight, before dawn, or at daybreak. [36] Don't let him find you sleeping when he arrives without warning. [37] I say to you what I say to everyone: Watch for him!"

Since the time of Christ, there have been multitudes of individuals and groups who have attempted to proclaim when exactly the Lord is to return. Some will refer to it as the end times or the end of days, but it all points to a time specific when the Lord comes back for His chosen.

I've often wondered why doesn't God just simply tell us when He's coming back? I mean, if we are the chosen, it could even make it stronger in our hearts to serve, knowing exactly when He's on His way.

return
But I am convinced there is a reason. If we knew when the Lord was exactly coming on a particular day, what would we do up until that time? Especially if it was going to be a time after the end of our lifetime? I am afraid that by the very nature of man, we would be at our best as just warm. Not hot, not cold; we would just sort of hang out because we already know when He's coming. That is why I'm convinced that God doesn't want us to know because of our very nature. We would not be in a place anxiously awaiting with a spirit that is nothing but hot to serve God.

Therefore, it's actually in our best interest that we do not know. But rather, as we started in faith, that we live in faith until that day comes.

Today, the thought that we do not know may cause some of you to be discouraged. But actually, it should be the opposite. Your faith should be hot, not warm, not cold, and definitely not somewhere in between. Always attentive, looking for His presence and return. Remember those final words in our passage today: "Watch for Him."

Stay healthy and have a blessed day!

~Dean Burnetti