Mark 13: 33 – 37
[Jesus said] Watch! Be alert and pray, because you do not know when the time will come. It is like a man going away on a journey. When he left his home, he put his servants in charge and assigned what each one was to do. He also commanded the doorkeeper to keep watch. Therefore keep watch, because you do not know when the owner of the house is coming: whether in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or early in the morning. If he comes suddenly, do not let him find you sleeping. What I say to you, I say to everyone: Keep watch!”
Dear Heavenly Father,
We pray (as Jesus instructed us) that you will keep us vigilant through your word. Let us prepare ourselves through repentance and forgiveness, which comes only through Jesus’ holy life and innocent death. We ready ourselves only through faith in Christ Jesus. Faith is this: knowing you sent your Son to earth, and he went to the cross for us because we could not save ourselves. We were condemned for our sins and deserved only eternal death. So Jesus came; he became sin for us, suffering for every person’s sin on the cross. So that whoever believes in Jesus will have eternal life, and whoever rejects him is condemned already. So prepare us with the forgiveness Jesus won for us, and send us your Holy Spirit to strengthen our faith so we will be close to you and prepared for Jesus’ coming again.
Lord, you have given us the tasks we are to accomplish on this earth, and as we go about our daily activities, we pray that you will prepare us should the end come. Since we have no idea when that time will come, please instill in us the urgency to share the good news of forgiveness with someone who does not know you so they, too, will be prepared for the end. Give us opportunities to share Jesus’ love and forgiveness with them so that they will trust your love and mercy for Jesus’ sake. Amen.
Written through Pastor Roger Emmons
Repent and ready yourself through Jesus’ love and mercy because Jesus is coming again.