Beyond the Weekend

March 24 | Keep Watch

March 24, 2022

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

“If he comes suddenly, do not let him find you sleeping. What I say to you, I say to everyone: ‘Watch!’” Mark 13:36-37

Read: Mark 13:24-26
Listen:
Mark 13

TODAY’S MESSAGE

Jesus shifts from warning about the destruction of the temple and Jerusalem and the personal trials his disciples will face to his eventual return. Jesus again doesn’t offer details the disciples desire. He doesn’t share when he will return, only that he will, and it will be obvious. Instead, he turns the conversation into a parable.

In the story, a man leaves on a trip and assigns each servant a task while he is away. The final instruction is to keep watch because the owner could come back at any hour. The owner doesn’t want to return to servants sleeping on the job. Jesus likens this story to how his followers should live while waiting for his second coming. He urges us to stay alert, watchful and work at the responsibilities he’s assigned us.

As followers of Jesus, we all have a purpose and work to do while waiting for his return. Before Jesus ascends to heaven, he instructs his disciples to go into all the nations, make disciples, baptize and teach people to obey his commands (Matthew 28:19-20). We are to love God and love others (Matthew 22:36-40). Rather than sleeping on the job, we are to actively seek out those who need to know and grow in his love. We are to generously give what he has lavished on us through his death and resurrection. It could be a gift we use to serve the church, a resource we share with someone in need or a conversation with a hurting friend who needs to know Jesus loves her. Jesus promises to be with us in this until the end (Matthew 28:20).

IN YOUR CHAIR TIME TODAY

Ask God to reveal what work he’s given you. Ask him to show you where you’ve fallen asleep and need to awaken to his work for you right now. Maybe there is something you need to start or restart for his kingdom. Write down one step you can take today to live out the purpose and work God has given you to do.


2022 BIBLE MEMORY PRACTICE

Develop spiritual roots and tap in the power of God’s word by memorizing monthly a Bible verse! View previous verses at beyondtheweekend.org/biblememorypractice.

GALATIANS 5:22-23
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.


Download a printable PDF of the BTW week here.

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