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.
Israel as a nation is now over 60 years of age. Their enemies are numerous and their challenges overwhelming. But our God is able to bring them through the coming storm.
Then in verse 32 we see His AUTHORITY. At the time, Jesus did not know the day He would return. Does He know now? Yes, I believe He does because all authority has been given to Him as He sits at the right hand of the Father!
Illustration
It seems there are people who chronically run red lights. I have heard people say that the yellow lights are warnings…warnings to speed up before the light turn’s red. They are in fact, warnings for motorists to safely prepare to stop. In the DFW area, we now have signs warning drivers of cameras which are capable of photographing them as they run through the red lights. A ticket for running red lights will cost a violator a minimum of $75. The cameras have significantly reduced the number of people running red lights.
Warnings are given to His followers to believe and behave as His children. Signs are also given an unsaved world as warnings that Jesus is about to return and judge the world! It is time to wake up!
Then Jesus tells us in verses 33-34 that we are to be WORKING.
Then He tells us to watch in 33a. We are to CONSECRATE ourselves to being faithful. Much like a soldier on guard duty, we are to be constantly dedicated to carry out our last command. That command was given to us in Matthew 28:18-20. The order has never been rescinded.
In verses 33b, the phrase to be alert means to “behold, take heed.” It is the idea that we are to CONTEMPLATE our assigned responsibilities. Everyone has their place to work. Mine is probably different than yours. But regardless what our responsibility is we are to be faithful in all we do!
We are also to COMMUNICATE in 33c. By this He wants us to pray. Because we don’t know when He is coming we need to stay in touch! We recognize the signs of the times because we are alert and in touch!
Then in verse 34, He gives an illustration that we are stewards in God’s Kingdom. We have a job to do and remain faithful to it. That means we are to CULTIVATE our field of service. Stewards don’t own what they possess. They simply manage what belongs to someone else. All we have belongs to Him. Faithfulness is required. We will give an accounting of our duties.
Illustration
Years ago when my youngest son Dustin lived at home, he was responsible for Putz when we were out of town. It was not a hard task. He simple was to feed the dog and provide fresh water daily. Faithfulness was all that was required.
It is the same thing with believers today. We are to be faithful. Yes, we are fighting a cultural war in a post-Christian society. God knows and equips us to be faithful. So, get involved! It is not an option. We are commanded by Jesus to work continuously and faithfully until He returns.
And then Jesus tells we are to be WATCHING. The phrase “be alert” means “to wake up” in verses 35-37. Christians are not to be sleeping at their posts. They are to be awake, alert and on duty!
Because we don’t know when His return will be we should OBSERVE HIS WARNINGS! Verse 35 makes it clear we don’t know which watch He will return. His return is imminent. That means it can happen at any moment. It is not immediate but it is imminent.
Secondly, in verse 36 we are to OBEY HIS WORD. We don’t want him to catch us sleeping on the job. It won’t be a good thing if He does! In the business world it means automatic termination. We should be serious in our responsibilities!
And finally we are to OCCUPY HIS WORLD in verse 37. Jesus is the rightful owner of this universe. He created it, sustains it and is sovereign over it. But while we are here, we are to be involved in seeing others come into the kingdom. God has plenty of room for those who trust Him!
Illustration
It is a wonderful thing to have fire stations in our neighborhoods. Everyone here would agree to that. They serve a great purpose. The firemen save lives, put out fires and provide a great service to our community. But imagine if they spent their time in the station polishing their brass, cleaning their equipment and fellowshipping with each other. They eat meals together, play practical jokes on each other and attend classes on fire safety. And just think of the utter disgust from the community if that is all they do. They ignore the bells and warnings that a disastrous wreck occurred on the interstate. They continued playing cards late in the evening when a warning rang out that someone was suffering a heart attack. Or they felt their red fire truck wasn’t shiny enough as “your” house burned down! Boy, people would be furious as they would have a right to be!
And yet, as the church body, we are too busy fellowshipping with each and polishing our brass in the church as another soul slips into hell. We have too much fun playing softball and taking soul winning classes to really share the Gospel with a down and outer. A life is shattered because we would not take the time to invest in that person.
Sadly, that seems to be the state of our churches today. Unfortunately, that seems to be state of most professed Christians today. Are you one of them? Are you rearranging the furniture on the Titanic as it sinks or are you following Christ faithfully in obedience?
