Watch therefore, for you don’t know when the lord of the house is coming, whether at evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or in the morning; lest coming suddenly he might find you sleeping. Mark 13:35-36 WEB
In chapter thirteen of the gospel of Mark, Jesus gives prophecy about the destruction of the temple in Jerusalem. In addition, he describes the circumstances surrounding his second coming. Speaking with four of his disciples, Jesus tells of troubling times to come.
The Lord instructs the faithful to be prepared for his return at all times. Jesus likens their watch to the schedule of a Roman soldier’s night watches which ran from evening through midnight to “when the rooster crows” and into morning.
Jesus warns his disciples of deceivers to come pretending to be him. The Lord speaks of wars and rumors of wars. He mentions famines in addition to earthquakes and assures the disciples that these are just the beginning of trouble. Christ forewarns his disciples of tribulations in their lifetimes because of their belief in him.
These warnings proved true. Beaten, jailed, and even killed for their testimony, the disciples remained faithful until the end. The Romans destroyed the temple during the siege of Jerusalem in the year 70 just as Jesus predicted in Mark 13:2 saying, “There will not be left here one stone on another, which will not be thrown down. WEB” As Christ said, not one stone was left on the foundation.
No One Knows
Jesus’ warnings of trouble for the disciples came to pass. Concerning the second coming, with his words about when the rooster crows, Jesus taught the faithful to be prepared at all times. As the Lord said in Mark 13:31-32, “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away. But of that day or that hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. WEB”
As Christians, we remain alert and prayerful not knowing the exact time of the return of Christ. Whether it happens when the rooster crows or at some other time, the important point is that we live the transformed life of a born-again believer until his return.
Prayer: “Father God, thank you for the revelation of your holy word. Give me wisdom to understand and strength to endure. Help me to live a life that is pleasing to you. In Jesus’ name – Amen”
Yesterday’s Devotional: Remain in My Love
