Stay Alert

Wednesday, June 10th, 2026

5:27 pm

Good afternoon! Today I am in Matthew 24:1-51, Mark 13:1-37, and Luke 21:5-38. As Jesus and the disciples were leaving the Temple, the disciples started pointing out how magnificent and impressive the Temple buildings were. Jesus tells them yes they are, but they would be completely demolished, and not one stone would be left on top of the other. When they got to the Mount of Olives some of the disciples asked Him when these things would happen, and what signs will signal His return. Jesus tells them to not let anyone mislead them for many will come in His name, claiming to be the Messiah, and they will deceive many. And they will hear of wars and threats of wars. He tells them not to panic because these things must take place, but the end won't follow immediately. He tells them that nations will be against nations, and there will be earthquakes and famines in many parts of the world, but these things are only the birth pains, with more to come. He tells them that when these things start happening, to watch out because they will begin to be arrested, persecuted, and killed because they are His followers. Standing trial before kings and governors. But this will be an opportunity for them to tell them about Him, for the Good News must first be preached to all nations. He tells them to not worry when they are arrested and standing trial because He will give them the right words and such wisdom that their opponents will not be able to reply or refute them. He tells them that even those closest to them will betray them. The world will hate them. Many will turn away from Him and betray each other. But He tells them to stand firm and they will win their souls. He tells them that a day is coming when they will see a sacrilegious object that causes desecration standing in the Holy Place. And when they see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, they will know that the time of its destruction has arrived. When this happens He tells them they must flee to the hills, not stopping to pack. He tells them to pray this this time is not in the winter or during a Sabbath, for there would be greater anguish than at any time since the world began, and it will never be so great again. He tells them that unless the Lord shortens that time of calamity, not a single person will survive, but for the sake of His chosen ones, He has shortened those days. He warns them again about being deceived by false prophets because many will appear and they will deceive many people. Claiming that the Messiah has come back, but He tells them to not believe it because when He does come back it will be just like lightening flashing in the sky. After the anguish of those days the sun will be darkened, the moon will give no light, the stars will fall from the sky, and the powers in the heavens will be shaken. And everyone will see the Son of Man coming in the clouds with great power and glory. And He will send out His angels with a mighty trumpet blast to gather His chosen ones from all over the world. He tells them just like how a fig tree's branches bud, show that summer is near, these signs show that His return is very near, right at the door. He tells them that, that generation will not pass until all these things happen. He tells them that heaven and earth will disappear, but His Words will never disappear. He tells them that no one knows the day or the hour when these things will occur, not even the angels in heaven or even the Son. Only the Father knows. He tells them when He returns, it will be like it was in Noah's day. People were enjoying banquets and parties, right up until the time Noah entered his boat. The people did not realize what was happening until the water swept them away. When He comes, some will be taken while others are left behind. So He tells them they must keep watch and be ready, because He will come when they least expect it. He tells them that a faithful, sensible servant is one to whom the master can give the responsibility of managing his other household servants. And if the Master returns to find that the servant has done a good job, he will be rewarded. But if he comes back and the servant had started beating the other servants, partying, and getting drunk, the master will return unannounced and unexpected, and he will destroy the servant and send him to a place with the hypocrites, where there is weeping and gnashing of teeth. Jesus also describes it as a man going on a long trip, and he tells the workers what to do and for the gatekeeper to watch for his return, they too must keep watch for His return. He tells them to not let their hearts be dulled by carousing and drunkenness, and by the worries of this life. For that day will come to everyone on earth. So He tells them to keep alert at all times, and pray that they might be strong enough to escape these horrors and stand before the Son of Man.

Whew, there is a lot in this section. But man, I love this section! This section is scary, but also encouraging at the same time. Jesus gave this message for His disciples at the time, but it is for us today too. We see this playing out in the world today. If you watch the news, you see all these signs taking place. Everyday the world gets a little more and more like it was in Noah's day. All you have to do is look and pay attention, and you can see all the signs. It's scary because of the persecution we will face as believers, which many today are facing this persecution around the world right now, even in the USA, but encouraging because Jesus tells us to take heart, He is with us every step of the way, and He will give us the right words to say at the right time. We can stand firm even in the midst of persecution because we have a better hope. We have Jesus. Yes, we might be killed for our faith, but we have the hope of heaven as believers. There is a better place for us then here. But He warns us to stay ready and on the look out. Don't give into the things and worries of this world, but stay focused on Him. Keep getting into His Word and praying so you will be ready. Don't allow your senses to be dulled, so you won't be caught off guard. Keep your mind clear, and focused on Him. That is how we will get through. And make sure you are sharing His Good News to anyone that will listen. We don't want anyone to be left behind. We all have a chance to get to know Him, but many times we need other people to point us in the right direction. That is our job as followers of Christ. Don't be afraid, and plant the seeds of Good News wherever you go. Stay alert and be ready!