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Mark 13:33 - How To Live Like Jesus Was Coming Today!

Mark 13:33 (NKJV) Take heed, watch and pray; for you do not know when the time is.

Mark 13:33 (NASB) "Take heed, keep on the alert; for you do not know when the appointed time will come.

Mark 13:33 (NIV) Be on guard! Be alert! You do not know when that time will come.

Mark 13:33 (ESV) Be on guard, keep awake. For you do not know when the time will come.

WORD STUDY

Be on guard! Stay alert! Some manuscripts add and pray. [NLT SB 2008] None of the modern translations do, but certainly if we are to pray without ceasing it is obvious that prayer would be included.

INTRODUCTION

Jesus continued His last week of ministry in Jerusalem by teaching His apostles about future events. This speech (Mark 13:1-37) is known as the Olivet Discourse, so named because Jesus sat on the Mount of Olives while speaking (v. 3). [Nelson SB]

Months of planning go into a wedding, the birth of a baby, a career change, a speaking engagement, the purchase of a home. Do you place the same importance on preparing for Christ's return, the most important event in your life? Its results will last for eternity. You dare not postpone your preparations because you do not know when his return will occur. THE WAY TO PREPARE IS TO STUDY GOD'S WORD AND LIVE BY ITS INSTRUCTIONS EACH DAY. ONLY THEN WILL YOU BE READY. [Life Application SB]

COMMENTARY PEARL

   One Christmas when our kids were elementary-school aged, my husband and I decided to make the long drive from our home in Washington State to my parents' home in Alberta, Canada. We confirmed our plans with my dad and asked him to keep them a surprise for Mom.
   Dad knew the date we intended to arrive, but he didn't know the hour because much depended on road conditions. Unsure about whether we'd be there in time for dinner, he went grocery shopping and stocked up on food and snacks, supposing Mom wouldn't get suspicious. He did his best not to glance at his watch throughout the day. His anticipation built until he nearly gave away our secret, but he managed to subdue his excitement until we showed up.
   JESUS IS COMING SOON. NO ONE KNOWS THE DAY OR THE HOUR, BUT IT'S IMPORTANT TO PREPARE FOR HIS ARRIVAL. I DO THAT BY SPENDING TIME READING HIS WORD AND CONVERSING WITH HIM IN PRAYER. I ALSO TRY TO KEEP SHORT ACCOUNTS - NOT HARBORING UNFORGIVENESS OR LETTING ANGER LINGER IN MY HEART. I MAKE IT A POINT TO SHARE HIS LOVE WITH OTHERS AND HELP THOSE IN NEED.
   Unlike my family's Christmas surprise, Jesus's anticipated arrival isn't to be kept a secret. I'll broadcast it far and wide, telling as many people as possible so they, too, can prepare and share the excitement. Grace Fox
   Faith Step: List what preparations you would make if you knew Jesus would arrive today. [Mornings With Jesus 2024 Devotional by Guideposts and Zondervan]

CLOSING THOUGHT

WE MUST SO LIVE THAT IT DOES NOT MATTER WHEN HE COMES. IT GIVES US THE GREAT TASK OF MAKING EVERY DAY FIT FOR HIM TO SEE AND BEING AT ANY MOMENT READY TO MEET HIM FACE TO FACE. LIFE BECOMES A PREPARATION TO MEET THE KING. [BARCLAY COMMENTARY]

LINKS FOR FURTHER STUDY

Mark 13:33 - How To Live Like Jesus Was Coming Today!
https://www.abible.com/devotions/2016/20160101-1959.html

1 Thessalonians 5:2 - The Day of the Lord.
https://www.abible.com/devotions/2022/20220206-0910.html

LINKS WORTH CHECKING OUT

https://abible.com/links/