Dear Explorer,
Read Matthew 24:36-41
And
Read Mark 13:32
Who is the only one who knows when Jesus will return?
Does it surprise you that not even Jesus knew? I think if He had known, it would have been hard for Him to keep that information secret from His disciples.
There's a lot of people who have studied “end times” or “eschatology” that have a detailed list of what must happen before Jesus returns. Does this line up with these verses?
While there is a list of signs that we can look for, these passages seem to imply that everyone will be totally surprised. So, I guess we'll just have to wait and see.
Read Matthew 24:42-44
And
Read Mark 13:33-37
Now we've looked at an earlier time when Jesus told the same stories (Day 172). I'm repeating them here, just because Jesus felt it important to re-tell them here and they give so much context for what He's saying.
If someone told you they were going to break into your home – you would be prepared. But break-ins happen when we least expect them. And the other story is of the master returning after attending a wedding feast. The servants didn't know when he would return. Both stories support the above statement that no will know when Jesus is returning.
Mark says we should remember to do something during this time. What is it?
Watch!
Does this remind you of the Jewish wedding where the bride is constantly watching for her groom to arrive? When we keep in our minds that Jesus' return will happen soon, it keeps our lives in perspective. We can handle the troubles of the day better, we can wait better, and we can keep our priorities straight.
In His service, dale
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