For November 30, 2014 

Mark 13:32-36

Need for Watchfulness

"But of that day or hour, no one knows, neither the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the father. Be watchful! Be alert! You do not  know when the time will come. It is like a man traveling abroad. He leaves home and places his servants in charge, each with his work, and orders the gatekeeper to be on the watch. Watch, therefore, you do not know, when the Lord of the house is coming, whether in the evening, or at midnight, or at cockcrow, or in the morning. May he not come suddenly and find you sleeping. What I say to you, I say to all: Watch!"

Do you remember during your childhood days when you are a Girl Scout or a Boy Scout? There is a saying, that when you are always prepared, you are indeed a scout. During those days, what do we need to prepare for? Injuries? Accidents?

In a larger context, this verse wants us to be watchful and prepared in the coming of Christ. Watchful for the life He has given us and watchful for our spiritual self. You cannot grow when you are lacking in terms of your physical safety or to your spiritual connection with God.

Moreover, have you observed how repetitively mentioned the word "watch" in this text. This allows us to further view it in this way: Have you ever heard your Mom telling you, "watch out for that", "I would like to remind you that you should sleep early or eat healthy food---- those statements that remind us to do good or to be always safe. How many times did you hear these reminders? Me? I heard them million times, and from this verse I learned to appreciate the love my parents has given me. They have prepared me in various ways, spiritually, they have allowed me to have deep connections with God by introducing me to church. They have prepared me in all the academic demands by allowing me to read books and exposing myself to research, which my curiosity demands. In other words, at a young age, one must be watchful and always come prepared to avoid regrets.

During our Bible reflections as a group, one member shared a story. As a spiritual communicator, he deals with solving community problems, here is the situation: a high school student was abducted in broad daylight. According to the preliminary examinations of the body, the child was raped before she was burned to death. This member could see the pain the family  feel during this confrontation with the suspect. Upon, sharing this story, he questions us: "who is lacking (Sinong nagkulang)? "Is it the parents, the child, or the police officers?

This tragic event is also not expected like the coming of God. If we know, we are lacking in some aspects we should immediately fill it. That's why when you are lacking in terms of praying, you better start now. Start praying before you sleep and make it a habit. Pray perseveringly!

God has given us numerous times and even ways to communicate with Him. We invest on things that will surely make us grow, allow us to become whole and; reading a Bible is the most worthwhile activity a Christian like you should be investing on. 

We should watch out for the coming of Christ, but are you, as an individual prepared for His coming? If not, you should start now, for tomorrow might be the destined day. 

Regrets always come after the big wave

Prayer's the only way to be saved

Thorny roads will always be paved

Relying fully to the promises He gave

My heart's desire You know it most

Walk me straight if I am lost

I maybe blind, or deaf to You

One thing is sure, my heart, mind and soul belongs to You

I do not know when will it be

But I know You will come to thee;

I will be prepared, I must

Like how  You prepared your kingdom for us