“Stay Awake: Living with Expectant Hope”
Mark 13:24-37
Imagine it’s a dark and stormy night. Rain is pounding against your windows, and thunder rolls in the distance. You’ve just settled into a deep sleep when there’s a loud knock at the door. Startled you sit up, heart pounding, who could be banging on the door at this hour? You scramble to the door as panic sets in. You’re unprepared for who it might be—the house is a mess, you’re in your pajamas, and you have no idea what to expect.
As you stand at that door, unprepared and uncertain, you realize the feeling is more than just about a late-night knock. It’s a mirror of how life can catch us off guard when we’re spiritually unready. And the words of Jesus in Mark 13 come alive: 'Be on guard! Stay awake!' Advent asks us to confront the question—are we truly prepared for His return?"
Advent is a season of preparation and waiting, not just for the celebration of Christmas but for the return of Christ. In our scripture today, Jesus calls us to wake up, watch, and work as we live with expectant hope.
Point 1: Wake Up to the Signs (Mar 13 Verses 24-27) “At that time, after the anguish of those days, the sun will be darkened, the moon will give no light, the stars will fall from the sky, and the powers in the heavens will be shaken. Then everyone will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds with great power and glory. And he will send out his angels to gather his chosen ones from all over the world—from the farthest ends of the earth and heaven.
Jesus paints a vivid picture of dramatic cosmic upheaval:
The sun will be darkened.
The moon won’t give its light.
Stars will fall from the sky, and the heavens will be shaken.
This isn’t meant to terrify us but to wake us up! Jesus is saying, “Pay attention—God’s plan is unfolding!” His return will be unmistakable: the Son of Man will come with great power and glory, gathering His people from every corner of the earth.
But here’s the challenge: in today’s world, we’re surrounded by distractions that dull our spiritual senses. It’s easy to miss God’s presence and activity in our lives. Advent is our wake-up call, reminding us to tune in because signs are everywhere—some subtle, some dramatic.
Think about something remarkable: the Northern Lights visible here in Mississippi! We experienced this phenomenon twice this year—in May and October. Until 2003, there were no recorded instances of this happening here in over two centuries. Some say it’s due to weather patterns or advanced camera technology, but as believers, we know who’s ultimately in control.
When we see wars, rumors of wars, lawlessness, and moral decline; when we hear of parents harming their children or vice versa, the question isn’t whether these are random occurrences or “scientific deductions.” It’s: are we paying attention to the spiritual reality behind it all?
We must remember, Satan is the author of confusion. He wants to distract us and deceive us, so that we dismiss the signs of God’s movement. Don’t fall into that trap. Wake up! Advent calls us to shake off complacency, open our eyes, and tune our hearts to God’s presence in the world—and in us.
Imagine this: You’re driving on a long trip at night. The road is dark, your eyes are heavy, and the hum of the tires lulls you into a daze. You begin to drift, ever so slightly, until suddenly—you hit a rumble strip. The loud, vibrating jolt startles you awake, and in that moment, you realize how close you were to danger.
The rumble strip isn’t there to punish you; it’s there to save you. It’s a second chance to get back on track and refocus on the road ahead.
In the same way, God places spiritual “rumble strips” in our lives. These are moments that jolt us out of complacency and remind us of His presence—moments when He calls us to repentance, moments when He renews our faith, or reminds us of His promises.
Maybe it’s a Bible verse that suddenly speaks directly to your situation, or a sermon that stirs your heart. Maybe it’s a life event that makes you stop and evaluate where you’re headed. Whatever it is, these rumble strips are God’s way of saying, “Wake up! You’re drifting. Refocus and stay on the path I’ve set for you.”
Point 2: Watch with Expectancy (Verses 28-31) “Now learn a lesson from the fig tree. When its branches bud and its leaves begin to sprout, you know that summer is near. In the same way, when you see all these things taking place, you can know that his return is very near, right at the door. I tell you the truth, this generation will not pass from the scene before all these things take place. Heaven and earth will disappear, but my words will never disappear.
Jesus shifts our attention to the parable of the fig tree:
When its branches become tender and leaves begin to sprout, you know summer is near. In the same way, when you see the signs Jesus described, you can know the kingdom of God is near—right at the door.
Jesus reminds us that while heaven and earth may pass away, His words will never fail. His promises are eternal, and His return is certain.
To watch with expectancy means to live with a sense of anticipation and trust. It’s not about obsessing over dates or trying to predict the exact moment of His return but cultivating a heart that’s always ready.
When we live with expectancy, it transforms the way we approach each day. Every conversation becomes an opportunity to reflect Christ’s love. Every task, no matter how small, becomes a chance to glorify God. Every challenge is met with hope, knowing that the King is coming.
Think of a child waiting for Christmas morning. They don’t know the exact hour they’ll open their gifts, but their excitement grows with each passing day. They prepare by decorating the tree, wrapping presents, and counting down the days with joy.
As believers, our preparation looks different but just as intentional. It means praying, studying God’s Word, and serving others in love. It means living in such a way that, no matter when He returns, we’ll be found ready, faithful, and full of hope
Point 3: Work While You Wait (Verses 32-37) “However, no one knows the day or hour when these things will happen, not even the angels in heaven or the Son himself. Only the Father knows. And since you don’t know when that time will come, be on guard! Stay alert! “The coming of the Son of Man can be illustrated by the story of a man going on a long trip. When he left home, he gave each of his slaves instructions about the work they were to do, and he told the gatekeeper to watch for his return. You, too, must keep watch! For you don’t know when the master of the household will return—in the evening, at midnight, before dawn, or at daybreak. Don’t let him find you sleeping when he arrives without warning. I say to you what I say to everyone: Watch for him!”
Jesus makes it clear: no one—not even the angels in heaven or the Son Himself—knows the exact day or hour of His return. This unpredictability isn’t meant to leave us anxious but to remind us of the need to always be ready. He compares His return to a master coming home from a journey, expecting his servants to remain diligent and faithful in their tasks.
Let me be clear: waiting doesn’t mean sitting around doing nothing. The kind of waiting Jesus calls us to is active, purposeful, and intentional. It’s about living each day as though it could be the day of His return.
God has entrusted each of us with gifts, time, and opportunities, and He expects us to use them to advance His kingdom. Waiting actively means making the most of every moment—whether it’s sharing the Gospel, showing kindness to others, or faithfully living out our faith.
"Think of a gardener preparing for harvest. They don’t sit and stare at the fields waiting for the crops to grow; they’re weeding, watering, and tending to the plants every day. In the same way, our waiting for Christ should be marked by diligent work and faithful stewardship, so when He returns, He’ll find us ready and fruitful."
Conclusion:
Advent isn’t just about remembering Christ’s first coming; it’s about preparing for His return. The message in Mark 13 is clear: wake up, watch, and work.
Take a moment this week to reflect on your own spiritual readiness. Are there areas in your life where you’ve grown complacent? How can you live with greater expectancy and purpose this Advent season?
What if Christ returned today. Would He find you awake, watching, and working for His kingdom? Advent gives us the chance to realign our priorities and prepare our hearts to receive the King—not just as a baby in a manger but as the victorious Son of Man.
