SCRIPTURE: (NIV) Mark 13: 28 ¶ “Now learn this lesson from the fig-tree: As soon as its twigs get tender and its leaves come out, you know that summer is near. 29 Even so, when you see these things happening, you know that it is near, right at the door. 30 I tell you the truth, this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened.
OBSERVATION: Having been born 76 years ago in the year Israel became a nation and believing that the fig-tree in verse 28 could be a reference to Israel, I consider myself a part of “this generation.” I believe the things mentioned in the previous verses will happen in my lifetime. The theme of the next 5 verses is “be on guard,” “be alert,” “don’t be sleeping,” “watch!” This is not a day to be a sleepy Christian.
In the USNavy, I served night duty on a medical ward in San Diego, then later as the radio watch in the mountains of Viet Nam. I learned the need for being alert. But being spiritually alert is an even greater need, and today more important than yesterday!
APPLICATION: In verse 37 Jesus says, “What I say to you, I say to everyone: ‘Watch!’” I must take that personally.
I must not let myself be inoculated by the world into thinking that everything will continue as it has. I must keep my ears open to what the Holy Spirit is saying. I must keep “on guard” and “alert!”
Being sensitive to the Holy Spirit must be my priority every moment of every day. Whether I am alone or in a crowd; whether I am busy or resting; whether I am reading my Bible or watching the news, I must remain sensitive to the Holy Spirit. I must be watching for His interaction. I must be listening for His voice. I must be available for Him to use me.
PRAYER: Lord, You have a plan and you have a time frame into which that plan must be finished. As we quickly approach the completion of your plan, keep me sharp in hearing your voice. Amen.
Pastor Leon
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