Introduction

Good morning, dear brothers and sisters in Christ. It is a joy to gather with you today, in this sacred space where we join our hearts and minds together in worship. We are here to draw near to God, to seek His face, and to listen intently to His Word.

Today, we will be turning our attention to a passage in the Gospel of Mark, specifically Mark 13:24-37. A passage that speaks to us about hope, patience, and faithfulness. It is a passage that calls us to a life of vigilant waiting, a life of steadfast faith, and a life of diligent obedience. It is a passage that reminds us of the promise of our Lord's return, the patience we need to cultivate as we wait, and the piety we are called to practice in our daily lives.

Before we read the scripture, I would like to share a quote from the esteemed preacher, Charles Spurgeon, who once said, "By perseverance the snail reached the ark." This simple yet profound statement resonates deeply with the essence of our passage today. It speaks of the importance of steadfastness, of keeping our eyes fixed on the goal, and of moving forward no matter how slow our progress may seem.

Now, let us read the scripture together: "But in those days, following that distress, 'the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from the sky, and the heavenly bodies will be shaken.' At that time people will see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory. And he will send his angels and gather his elect from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of the heavens. Now learn this lesson from the fig tree: As soon as its twigs get tender and its leaves come out, you know that summer is near. Even so, when you see these things happening, you know that it is near, right at the door. Truly I tell you, this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away. But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Be on guard! Be alert! You do not know when that time will come. It’s like a man going away: He leaves his house and puts his servants in charge, each with their assigned task, and tells the one at the door to keep watch. Therefore keep watch because you do not know when the owner of the house will come back—whether in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or at dawn. If he comes suddenly, do not let him find you sleeping. What I say to you, I say to everyone: 'Watch!'"

Preparing for the Promise

As we look at the scripture, we see a vivid picture of what is to come. The imagery is stark and dramatic. The sun darkened, the moon losing its light, stars falling from the sky, and the heavenly bodies shaken. It's a scene of cosmic upheaval, a scene that signals a significant shift in the course of history. This is a promise we've been given. A promise that our Lord will return. But it's not just a promise of His return. It's also a promise of what His return will bring. A gathering of His elect from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of the heavens. But what does this promise mean for us? How does it impact our lives today? How should it shape our actions, our attitudes, our aspirations?

Firstly, this promise calls us to a life of hope. Hope in the sense of confident expectation grounded in the character of God, in His faithfulness, and in His promises. This hope is 100% active. It’s not waiting around for something to happen, but there is a daily motivation to live in a way that is pleasing to God by seeking first His kingdom.

Secondly is a call to patience. Patience is grounded in the sovereignty of God, in His timing, in His plans. This patience is not complacent, but vigilant. It's not a patience that grows weary and gives up, but a patience that perseveres and presses on. We are enabled to face trials with courage, endure hardships with grace, and to wait on the Lord with unwavering faith.

Thirdly, this promise calls us to a life of faithfulness. Faithfulness, not in the sense of mere loyalty, but in the sense of unwavering commitment. Faithfulness is one of God’s key characteristics. If he makes a promise in His Word, he will be faithful to carry it out. Because of this, we are called to live out a faithfulness that compels us to obey God's commands, to follow His lead, and to walk in His ways.

Lastly, let us lead a life of vigilance. Vigilance, not in the sense of anxious worry, but in the sense of watchful readiness. But vigilance is based on the wisdom of God, His warnings, and His guidance. This vigilance is not paranoid, but prudent. It's not a vigilance that is consumed by fear, but a vigilance that is driven by faith.

Persevering in Patience

Patience, as we touched on a moment ago, is not merely about waiting ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO