Seventh Day Baptist
Christian Education Council
PO BOX 1678
Janesville, WI 53547
“From the fig tree learn its lesson: as soon as its branch becomes tender and puts out its leaves, you know that summer is near. So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that he is near, at the very gates. Truly, I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things take place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.
“But concerning that day or that hour, no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Be on guard, keep awake. For you do not know when the time will come. It is like a man going on a journey, when he leaves home and puts his servants in charge, each with his work, and commands the doorkeeper to stay awake. Therefore stay awake—for you do not know when the master of the house will come, in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or in the morning—lest he come suddenly and find you asleep. And what I say to you I say to all: Stay awake.”
(ESV)
—Mark 13:28-37
by: Ashea West.
In verses 24 and 25, Jesus told of the signs that will mark His return: “The sun will be darkened, the moon will not give light…” and then warns us to keep watch. Does this mean sitting and looking at the skies and just waiting for Him to come back? Not at all—Jesus also said that we have all been given a task to fulfill, a mandate on this earth to spread the gospel. So, while we spread the good news, we look for the signs. While we evangelize, let us also tell them about the signs to look for. Jesus’ words will never pass away. So, if He said, “Be on your guard, I will be returning,” believe that He will be returning.
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