Slices
Prepare
Make this your prayer today: ‘I want to sign your name to the end of this day/ Knowing that my heart was true/ Let my lifesong sing to you.’*
*JM Hall, ‘Lifesong’, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, 2005
Bible passage
The day and hour unknown
32 ‘But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. 33 Be on guard! Be alert! You do not know when that time will come. 34 It’s like a man going away: he leaves his house and puts his servants in charge, each with their assigned task, and tells the one at the door to keep watch.
35 ‘Therefore keep watch because you do not know when the owner of the house will come back – whether in the evening, or at midnight, or when the cock crows, or at dawn. 36 If he comes suddenly, do not let him find you sleeping. 37 What I say to you, I say to everyone: “Watch!”’
Explore
Jesus has just assured his disciples of his glorious return, conveying a strong sense of certainty through repeated uses of ‘will’: ‘will see’, ‘will send’ (vs 26,27). Now he emphasises the uncertainty surrounding the timing of this return – ‘you do not know’ (vs 33,35) and, in fact, ‘no one knows’ (v 32), which makes speculations or calculations about the date of the second coming both futile and an act of disobedience.
In his discourse in Mark 13, Jesus’ aim was not to outline a precise timetable of end-time events but to urge right living. The repeated references to not knowing are paired with commands to remain on high alert, actively keep watch and keep working (vs 33–35). End‑time theories may generate a high level of excitement and energy! In contrast, the call to watch, wait and work might feel dull, difficult and draining. Does keeping watch make me sleepy? Does indeterminate waiting make me impatient? Does diligent work weary me? Jesus’ words both warn and encourage, rousing us from lethargy, rekindling a sense of urgency and re‑energising us to faithfully carry out his work.
*JM Hall, ‘Lifesong’, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, 2005
Respond
Our watchword is ‘Watch!’ ‘Watch your step. Use your head. Make the most of every chance you get. These are desperate times! Don’t live carelessly, unthinkingly. Make sure you understand what the Master wants’ (Ephesians 5:16,17, The Message). How can you watch your step this week?
Bible in a year
Read the Bible in a year: Daniel 10–12; Psalms 135,136
Pray for Scripture Union
Pray for Paul Folland as he heads up the Mission Events team. He asks for particular prayer for his team as they plan for the conference they’re running for SU holiday and event leaders at the end of January. Pray that the team would hear from God and create a weekend that will build community, encourage everyone and provide effective training.