Mark 13:14-37

“Watch therefore, for you do not know when the master of the house is coming—in the evening, at midnight, at the crowing of the rooster, or in the morning—lest, coming suddenly, he find you sleeping. And what I say to you, I say to all: Watch!” (Mark 13:35–37, NKJV)

A single word can carry much power. If you are in a crowded theater and shout the word “Fire!” just watch what happens. (Of course, you’d better hope there really is a fire!) After Jesus explained to His disciples the many cataclysmic events that will occur in the last days, He said, “Watch!”

This is also what He said to Peter, James and John in the Garden of Gethsemane.

“Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” (Matthew 26:41, NKJV)

We must watch because we are in a spiritual battle. Our enemy prowls around like a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour (1 Peter 5:8). Moreover, we are easily deceived by our own desires. Not only must we be watchful of others, but we must also watch ourselves, for we have a traitor within.

The Master will certainly come. And what will He find us believing? What will He find us doing? Because we do not know when He is coming, we must always watch. When He comes, He must not find us sinning. Neither should He find us sleeping. God has given us His Word so that we will not walk in darkness but walk in the light, as He is in the light.

If we want to finish well…if we want to hear the Master say, “Well done my good and faithful servant,” then we must learn to watch!