ESOCS Devotional 25 April 2023
MEMORY VERSE: “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.” Mark 13:32 & 33
TEXT: MARK 13:28-37
28 Now learn a lesson from the fig tree: as soon as its branch becomes tender and it puts forth its leaves, you recognize andknow that summer is near.
29 So also, when you see these things happening, you may recognize and know that He is near, at [the very] door.
30 Surely I say to you, this generation (the whole multitude of people living at that one time) positively will not perish or pass away before all these things take place.
31 Heaven and earth will perish and pass away, but My words will not perish or pass away.
32 But of that day or that hour not a [single] person knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.
33 Be on your guard [constantly alert], and watch and pray; for you do not know when the time will come.
34 It is like a man [already] going on a journey; when he leaves home, he puts his servants in charge, each with his particular task, and he gives orders to the doorkeeper to be constantly alert andon the watch.
35 Therefore watch (give strict attention, be cautious and alert), for you do not know when the Master of the house is coming—in the evening, or at midnight, or at cockcrowing, or in the morning—
36 [Watch, I say] lest He come suddenly and unexpectedly and find you asleep.
37 And what I say to you I say to everybody: Watch (give strict attention, be cautious, active, and alert)!
Read Yesterday’s ESOCS Devotional here
Towards the tail end of the life and ministry of Jesus Christ on earth, His disciples were getting worried and sorrowful about His pending departure and in comforting them He said to them, “Let your heart not be troubled … I go to prepare a place for you and if I go and prepare a place for you I will come again and receive you unto myself, that were I am, there ye may be also.” This is the hope of believers. It is that which strengthens and comforts them in a world system that is very harsh on them. Every believer looks forward to being with the Lord in His kingdom, free from all pain and sorrow, reigning with Jesus forever and ever.
The parable of the ten virgins teaches us that it is only those who are ready for His Second Coming that will inherit the kingdom of God and many will miss the kingdom because they were careless and unprepared. Our today’s text tells us clearly that the day and hour Jesus will come is not known to anyone. It is one thing God holds close to His heart; hence, Jesus admonishes His followers to take heed so that they will not be taken by surprise and miss the kingdom of God.
The world is a distraction for those in the race. The need to succeed well, to belong, to acquire wealth, to marry, to have children, and generally be successful are all legitimate needs. But these are the very things that distract God’s children and lead them into compromising their faith. The pull of the flesh is very strong and many Christians fall into carnality. So long as there is life, there is opportunity to repent and grace for forgiveness. But there will not always be life neither will there always be time. The coming of our Lord Jesus will be sudden; death also is an end for all men; that also can come very unexpectedly. The state of your life when any of these sudden events happens will determine if you will be with the Lord in His kingdom; if you miss the kingdom, for you, all is lost.
- If Christ’s coming is going to be tonight, will you say you are ready?
- What do you consider your greatest distraction in the kingdom race?
- Lord, keep our hearts safe and secure in you. Help us to hold our whole life in total sanctification to you every moment. Amen
FURTHER READING: 2 Kings 4:18-37; Isaiah 25:1-9; Luke 24:13-35; 1 Peter 1:13-end
Thank you for reading the ESOCS Devotional today. Please share and follow us on all our platforms to contribute to the spread of the Gospel.
ESOCS Devotional 25 April 2023
