At a moment’s notice (Mark 13:14)
Introduction
There are many jobs that require a moment’s notice to be ready. Air ambulance is one of them. The crew usually consists of a pilot, nurse and a paramedic. One of the interesting procedure followed is for all members to keep quiet during takeoff. This is to help pilot to get a “feel” of any helicopter malfunction. Jesus said that the end of the world would come and we have to be ready at a moment’s notice. We will talk today about what we should be ready about.
At the beginning of Mark Chapter 13, we see that the disciples were enjoying the architectural beauty of the temple (Luke 21:5). They were amazed at the size of the stones that used for the building. But Jesus reminded them that, they better get ready for the end times and to receive him again!
1. Believe in Jesus John 6: 36, 37, 40, 41, 42, 44
Yes, it is easy said that done. It is very difficult for the people in the world to believe in Jesus. At the time of Jesus itself (vs 41, 42) the world questioned about this abilities, background and in transforming the lives of people. As Christians living in the grace period, we can also sometimes take the attitude that we can take care of a particular situation. But we need to take “it” to the Lord in prayer. Proverbs 3:5 (ASV) says “Trust in Jehovah with all thy heart, And lean not upon thine own understanding:”.
Consider yourselves lucky, if you know Jesus – 2 Corinthians 4:4
In Vs.44, Jesus has promised that we will raise him that believe in him “the last day”. If we are pressed for time and have to make a decision quickly, what we have in our heart drives the selection of a choice? So is your heart ready?
2. Wear Christ Galatians 3:27
If you have to wear designer clothing, you would be very careful to make sure that you were it properly and it is clean. In fact, people would love to show off the brand name in clothing. If you wear Christ, you would reflect Christ. Are you reflecting Christ?
Luke 20:46 – There are other kinds of people with robes too, who would like to raise self, instead of Christ.
Rev 22:14 – Get the right to come to the tree of life!
The woman who touched Jesus garment was healed. If you are wearing Christ, how much powerful your spiritual experience would be.
1 Thessalonians 5:1 – 3
3. Put on the armor of God - Ephesians 6:11, 13
Our wrestling is against principalities and powers, against the world rulers of this darkness, against the spiritual hosts of wickedness in high places. Our wrestling with world rulers of darkness will continue, but we need to make sure that our armor is right.
Romans 13:12
4. Walk in Spirit – Galatians 5:16, 25
When you climb up or down a stairs, it is a good practice to make sure that you hold on to the railings. If we walk in the spirit, we shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. The alternative is to walk in the vanity of their mind – Ephesians 4:17 Walking in spirit in necessary to walk with and in him – Colossians 2:6 We need to walk worthily of God – 1 Thessalonians 2:12
1 John 1:6 – We can lie, we are only fooling ourselves.
Romans 8:4
Ephesians 5:8
5. Watch out for the traps
Mark 13:5 - 13
• Be careful that no one fools you as to who Christ is
• War and war stories are only the beginning of the end
• Nations and kingdoms will fight against each other
• Earthquakes and lack of food
• All people will hate you: The number of people hating Christians seems to be increasing.
Those who keep their faith until the end will be saved.
Conclusion
We do not know the day or hour. We do not have to be paranoid or stressed out, but be ready. A person who is skillful and confident in doing an emergency job will be less stressed compared to the rest. Are you confident and ready to face Jesus? If Jesus come today, would you be among those who welcome him or among those who dread his coming?
Matthew 25:13
