Mark 13:24-37
²⁴But in those days, after that tribulation, the sun will be darkened and the moon will not give its light, ²⁵and the stars will be falling from heaven, and the powers that are in the heavens will be shaken.
²⁶Then they will see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory.
²⁷And then He will send forth the angels, and will gather together His elect from the four winds, from the farthest end of the earth to the farthest end of heaven.
²⁸Now learn the parable from the fig tree: when its branch has already become tender and puts forth its leaves, you know that summer is near.
²⁹Even so, you too, when you see these things happening, recognize that He is near, right at the door.
³⁰Truly I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things take place.
³¹Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will not pass away.
³²But of that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but the Father alone.
³³Take heed, keep on the alert; for you do not know when the appointed time will come.
³⁴It is like a man away on a journey, who upon leaving his house and putting his slaves in charge, assigning to each one his task, also commanded the doorkeeper to stay on the alert.
³⁵Therefore, be on the alert, for you do not know when the master of the house is coming, whether in the evening, at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or in the morning, ³⁶in case he should come suddenly and find you asleep.
³⁷What I say to you I say to all, ‘Be on the alert!'”
Devotional
Today’s verses conclude Jesus’ end-time prophecy with his unexpected (Mark 13:33), sudden (Mark 13:36) return. Although we cannot know exactly when that will be (Mark 13:32), we do know approximately (Mark 13:29).
It will be:
- after the first three preceding phases of the end time;
- after the renewed budding of the fig tree, Israel (Compare Hosea 9:10);
- only when all nations here on earth have heard of Jesus (See Mark 13:10);
When the need is greatest during the great tribulation (Cf. Mark 13:19,20). Jesus’ return to earth will be just like His departure back then, His ascension to heaven (Acts 1:9-11). Descending with the clouds, from heaven, clearly visible and breathtaking in splendor (Mark 13:26). As it happens, the celestial bodies surrounding the earth become unbalanced: sun, moon and stars are utterly upset (Mark 13:24,25; Isaiah 13:10; Joel 2:30,31). ▪︎ It will be God’s great victory in the fight against the devil’s kingdom.
Unexpectedly, the Son of Man will appear accompanied by his angels.
▪︎ They will bring the resurrected and transformed saints to Him as the consequence for the descending King (Mark 13:27).
▪︎ He will deal with his adversaries and establish His Empire on the earth (Matthew 13:36-43).
▪︎ It will be the long-awaited great day that all the righteous have been waiting for, described by many prophets.
▪︎ It will be a glorious day as well as a terrible day, according to the person’s position toward God (Daniel 12:2, John 5:28,29). With three short parables Jesus illustrates his end-time lesson:
The fig tree (Mark 13:28); The purpose of the fig tree parable is an attitude of recognition of signaling.
The doorkeeper (Mark 13:34); The parable of the doorkeeper warns congregation leaders to always be alert about Jesus’ return.
And the night (Mark 13:35); With the last parable, our Lord warns all of us to keep spiritually fit and active (Mark 13:37).
Question for self-reflection
▪︎ How do you feel about God? (Compare 1 Thessalonians 5:23,24.)
Prayer suggestion
▪︎ Pray that the congregations will continue to expect Jesus’ return.
Twitter: @SchoemakerHarry
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