It’s hard for some of us not to read these passages without a sense of discomfort. For many Christians, what is a call to be ready has been shaped into a warning of impending doom. Like waiting for the other shoe to drop…
But Jesus doesn’t give his disciples a detailed calendar. He doesn’t draw a timeline or ask them to decode signs with a secret key. Instead, he tells them a story about a fig tree — how its budding leaves show that summer is near (that’s good news, right?). Then he tells another story about a house owner who goes away and leaves the servants in charge. The point in both? Pay attention. Stay ready.
But this isn’t readiness fueled by panic. It’s not fear-based watching, as if Jesus wants us to sleep with one eye open. Rather, it’s readiness rooted in trust. Jesus wants his disciples to live alert — not because they’re afraid, but because they believe the master really is coming back.
And that changes how we live in the meantime.
The call to stay awake is less about watching the sky for signs and more about being faithful in our daily responsibilities: loving our neighbor, seeking justice, walking humbly, living in truth. To be spiritually awake is to live like Jesus could return at any moment — and like his way really matters in every moment.
We don’t know the day or the hour. But we do know the character of the one we’re waiting for. And that’s more than enough reason to live with hope.
Even in the midst of unsettling times.
Mark 13:28-37
“Learn this parable from the fig tree. After its branch becomes tender and it sprouts new leaves, you know that summer is near. In the same way, when you see these things happening, you know that he’s near, at the door. I assure you that this generation won’t pass away until all these things happen. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will certainly not pass away.
“But nobody knows when that day or hour will come, not the angels in heaven and not the Son. Only the Father knows. Watch out! Stay alert! You don’t know when the time is coming. It is as if someone took a trip, left the household behind, and put the servants in charge, giving each one a job to do, and told the doorkeeper to stay alert. Therefore, stay alert! You don’t know when the head of the household will come, whether in the evening or at midnight, or when the rooster crows in the early morning or at daybreak. Don’t let him show up when you weren’t expecting and find you sleeping. What I say to you, I say to all: Stay alert!”
Psalm 130:5-8
I hope, Lord. My whole being hopes, and I wait for God’s promise. My whole being waits for my Lord—more than the night watch waits for morning; yes, more than the night watch waits for morning!
Israel, wait for the Lord! Because faithful love is with the Lord; because great redemption is with our God! He is the one who will redeem Israel from all its sin.
Prayer
God,
Sometimes I get lazy. I give in. And I sit back on my heels because it’s easier. I mean, I don’t want to live in fret or angst. But I do want to be ready. To notice, to be alert, to recognize what Jesus said — and my good friend often repeats — as the moment of visitation.
So keep me sharp and loving — ready to do like Jesus when the situation calls.
By your Spirit & in Christ,
Amen.