It's Time! Series

Mark 13:28-37

“Now learn this parable from the fig tree: When its branch has already become tender, and puts forth leaves, you know that summer is near. So you also, when you see these things happening, know that it is near—at the doors! Assuredly, I say to you, this generation will by no means pass away till all these things take place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away. “But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Take heed, watch and pray; for you do not know when the time is.

It is like a man going to a far country, who left his house and gave authority to his servants, and to each his work, and commanded the doorkeeper to watch. Watch therefore, for you do not know when the master of the house is coming—in the evening, at midnight, at the crowing of the rooster, or in the morning—lest, coming suddenly, he find you sleeping. And what I say to you, I say to all: Watch!”

It’s Time!

Introduction - "Wake Up Little Susie"

"Wake Up Little Susie" is a popular song written by Felice and Boudleaux Bryant and published in 1957.

The song is best known in a recording by The Everly Brothers. It is written from the point of view of a high school boy to his girlfriend, Susie. In the song, the two go out on a date to a drive-in movie theater, only to fall asleep during the movie. They do not wake up until 4 o’clock in the morning, well after the 10 o’clock curfew. They then contemplate the reactions of her parents and their friends.

Although banned in such places as Boston, the song does not state that Susie and her boyfriend had sexual relations. Indeed, it strongly implies that they did not: the couple simply fell asleep because they were bored by the film.

Wake up, little Susie, wake up

Wake up, little Susie, wake up

We’ve both been sound asleep, wake up, little Susie, and weep

The movie’s over, it’s four o’clock, and we’re in trouble deep

Wake up little Susie

Wake up little Susie, well

Whatta we gonna tell your mama

Whatta we gonna tell your pa

Whatta we gonna tell our friends when they say “ooh-la-la”

Wake up little Susie

Wake up little Susie, well

I told your mama that you’d be in by ten

Well Susie baby looks like we goofed again

Wake up little Susie

Wake up little Susie, we gotta go home

Wake up, little Susie, wake up

Wake up, little Susie, wake up

The movie wasn’t so hot, it didn’t have much of a plot

We fell asleep, our goose is cooked, our reputation is shot

Wake up little Susie

Wake up little Susie, well

Whatta we gonna tell your mama

Whatta we gonna tell your pa

Whatta we gonna tell our friends when they say “ooh-la-la”

Wake up little Susie

Wake up little Susie

Wake up little Susie

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wake_Up_Little_Susie

The church has been silent for years. As the young high school couple falls asleep during a boring movie, the church has fallen asleep because of laziness and boredom. It ought not to be that way. Sadly it is.

We have become enamored with our success, prestige and power. Yet, our influence in the community has fallen, our baptism numbers have fallen and our churches are struggling. We are struggling because we act and look like the world. There is very little difference between the world and the nominative church member. Our people are cheating on their spouses, stealing from their bosses and running from God just like lost people. Yet when confronted with their sin they deny they do any of this. Folks, it is time to wake up!

Jesus is completing His words concerning the last days. In this passage, He gives us three clear words about those last days.

The first thing Jesus says is…be WARNED in verses 28-32.

Jesus tells His disciples to learn this parable. He picturesquely paints a word of warning to believers. When they see these events unfolding they are to be prepared.

Since Jesus had already spoken of His physical return in verse 26, He reassures His disciples of His coming APPEARANCE in verses 28-29. He is near (hyphen) at the door. The hyphen is for emphasis. It is fixin’ to happen!

We see today the proliferation of hatred toward Israel. Even our new Washington administration seems to have turned their back on Israel. There are cries from radical Muslim extremists crying for the destruction and annihilation of Israel. The fig tree has sprouted its leaves.

Then in verses 30-31, Jesus shows us His ASSURANCE of these events eventual fulfillment. He matter-of-factly states that this generation will not pass away until all these events have been completed.