Stay Awake (Mark 13:23, 33-35, and 37 ESV & NIV)

 "Stay awake!"

"Be on guard!"

"Be alert!" and "Watch!"

These are all warnings and commands given by Jesus as He taught His disciples.  They are equally good precautions for us who believe nowadays, too.

Most of us will know how hard it is to "stay awake" and listen to a Sunday sermon, especially if delivered in an afternoon meeting and when the speaker may have a soft, monotone-pitched voice with very little animation.

It wasn't his gift but he had made himself available.  Others hadn't offered their speaking gift.  What were they to do?!

So 'why and 'how' should we and can we accomplish this "staying awake" and "being on guard"?  Our master, Jesus, has physically

 "left earth and put His followers," 

His servants, in charge, each with his work and has [commanded]

 "the doorkeeper to stay awake" (vs 34).

Why should we?  

Because of false christs and prophets who appear able to

 "perform signs and wonders."  

So it looks really good, right?

I had one young lady, who is really pleasant and sweet and who seems like she'd be a kindred spirit friend, given time, tell me about her beliefs.  She said, 

"It's all about Jesus."  

Oh wow!  This has to be the real deal.  But if one researches a bit, one would find some false teachings and there is cult-likeness to her religion.

If a follower of Jesus Christ, who believes God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit are three in one being, and know their Scriptures well, then when the tares show up amongst the wheat, so to speak, one is more able to

 "keep watch" and to "be on guard" 

enough to discern the deception.  We will be awake and less susceptible to the false christs and prophets maligning us.  This is part of the "how and why should we" stay awake and keep watch (see Matthew 13:24-30).

We should also beware that we do not sin.  Temptations are all around.  We need to keep watch and alert over our hearts and minds and our words and our actions. We need to renew our minds in continuous, progressive sanctification.  This is being a good 'doorman' who stays awake and alert to impending trouble.  This is another why and how.

Jesus has assured us He's coming for us soon.  However, we do not know the time or season.  Just like a master may not reveal his ETA, we need to be on the look-out for Him. 

"A posture of readiness,"

 it's called.

I  learned that phrase from a friend's sharing in a lady's Bible study group.  It suits this scenario to a 'T';  sitting up straight, always ready and alert.

Let's not let Him find us sleeping.  We need to actively reach out to others to bring them to a saving acceptance of Jesus as their Savior and Lord.  Servants need to keep constructively busy and at the ready.

Then, when Jesus comes to bring us Home to Heaven, we will have been faithful servants who deserve His "well done!"

May Jesus come soon and find us all awake.  

So be it, Father God.  Amen.

                                       ~ ERC July 2025 ~

Based on Mark 13:23, 33-35 and 37 ESV/NIV.

Sing, Stay Awake, The Master Is Coming Song, along with Divine Hymns, with Joyful Lips.