God’s Saving Word: Joy
Introduction
Mark 13:24–37: In a passage bursting with quotations from the Old Testament (including Daniel 7:9–14), Jesus tells his followers to be ready for the coming of the Son of Man, because no one knows the day or hour. Christians interpret the coming of the Son of Man as Christ’s Second Coming.
Scripture Reading
The Coming of the Son of Man
24 “In the days after that time of trouble the sun will grow dark, the moon will no longer shine, 25 the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers in space will be driven from their courses. 26 Then the Son of Man will appear, coming in the clouds with great power and glory. 27 He will send the angels out to the four corners of the earth to gather God’s chosen people from one end of the world to the other.
The Lesson of the Fig Tree
28 “Let the fig tree teach you a lesson. When its branches become green and tender and it starts putting out leaves, you know that summer is near. 29 In the same way, when you see these things happening, you will know that the time is near, ready to begin.[a] 30 Remember that all these things will happen before the people now living have all died. 31 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.
No One Knows the Day or Hour
32 “No one knows, however, when that day or hour will come—neither the angels in heaven, nor the Son; only the Father knows. 33 Be on watch, be alert, for you do not know when the time will come. 34 It will be like a man who goes away from home on a trip and leaves his servants in charge, after giving to each one his own work to do and after telling the doorkeeper to keep watch. 35 Watch, then, because you do not know when the master of the house is coming—it might be in the evening or at midnight or before dawn or at sunrise. 36 If he comes suddenly, he must not find you asleep. 37 What I say to you, then, I say to all: Watch!”
Today’s Key Verse: Mark 13:26
Then the Son of Man will appear, coming in the clouds with great power and glory.
Reflect
How does Jesus describe the coming of the Son of Man? Why does Jesus tell his followers to be watchful? How do you prepare for the unexpected? What does this passage say to you with regard to living faithfully?
Pray
Lord Jesus, as I await your coming in power and glory, keep me faithful. Open my heart to be ever ready to receive and welcome you. Amen.
And now, join us in prayer for waiting souls in West Africa and for urgent efforts to share God’s Word with them. Lord God, we pray for those in West Africa who struggle daily with poverty and uncertainty, and we pray that audio Bibles will allow those who cannot read to learn and grow in Christ. With thanks for Bibles provided by Bible-A-Month Partners so that impoverished people in West Africa will find strength, hope, and new life in Christ and receive the life-changing Good News of Jesus. Amen.
Tomorrow’s Reading
Zephaniah 1:1–18: The prophet Zephaniah describes the day of the LORD’s judgment.