Mark 13:28-37 (NRSV)
Read Mark 13:28-37 on biblegateway.com
Verse 28"From the fig tree learn its lesson: as soon as its branch becomes tender and puts forth its leaves, you know that summer is near. Verse 29So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that he is near, at the very gates. Verse 30Truly I tell you, this generation will not pass away until all these things have taken place. Verse 31Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.
Verse 32"But about that day or hour no one knows, neither the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Verse 33Beware, keep alert; for you do not know when the time will come. Verse 34It is like a man going on a journey, when he leaves home and puts his slaves in charge, each with his work, and commands the doorkeeper to be on the watch. Verse 35Therefore, keep awake-for you do not know when the master of the house will come, in the evening, or at midnight, or at cockcrow, or at dawn, Verse 36or else he may find you asleep when he comes suddenly. Verse 37And what I say to you I say to all: Keep awake."
Devotion
The "now generation" describes people who live only for today, with no sense of the past and little interest in the future. In contrast, our Christian life is firmly planted in all three dimensions of time. The whole sweep of biblical history is part of our life. We also live vibrantly in the world today, and we look forward to Jesus' second coming, when God wraps up the human drama of history. What a rich vision of life we have!
Prayer
Lord, help us to "keep awake," knowing that you will come again in the future. Amen.