(Mrk) 13:13, 31-33 CJB “and everyone will hate you because of me. But whoever holds out till the end will be delivered. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will certainly not pass away. However, when that day and hour will come, no one knows — not the angels in heaven, not the Son, just the Father. Stay alert! Be on your guard! For you do not know when the time will come.”
The conflict with Iran and the growing instability in the world once again has many Christians wondering if the end is near. The truth is, every single day brings us closer to the return of Christ. But the better question is not whether the end is near — the better question is this: Are we ready for the return of Jesus?
Jesus did not tell His disciples to obsess over predicting dates or endlessly interpreting geopolitical events. Instead, He commanded vigilance, perseverance, obedience, and faithful service until He returns.
The Signs We Often Ignore
Many believers look for signs outside themselves while ignoring the signs that should be present inside themselves.
Jesus said His true followers would experience increasing opposition because of their loyalty to Him. If no one resists our Christianity, it may not necessarily mean persecution has not arrived. It may mean our faith has become quiet, comfortable, or culturally acceptable rather than boldly obedient.
To be ready for the return of Jesus means we are actively devoted to:
- knowing Scripture,
- obeying Scripture,
- proclaiming Christ,
- making disciples,
- and enduring faithfully until the end.
Prepared believers hunger for God’s Word because they understand it is their daily bread. Unprepared believers grow spiritually lazy, distracted, doubtful, or consumed with worldly priorities.
Jesus warned that heaven and earth will pass away, but His words never will. That means Scripture is more enduring than governments, economies, wars, or civilizations. If we neglect God’s Word now, we are not preparing ourselves for Christ’s return.
Faithful Servants Stay Busy
Jesus repeatedly taught that His servants are to remain actively engaged in His mission until He comes again. The Great Commission is not optional for mature Christians; it is the assignment of every disciple.
To be ready for the return of Jesus is to be found faithfully serving in His harvest field:
- encouraging believers,
- sharing the gospel,
- teaching obedience to Christ,
- discipling others,
- and persevering through hardship.
Prepared servants are not spiritually asleep. They are alert, engaged, and working alongside their Master.
The faithful Christian is not merely fascinated with prophecy; he is consumed with obedience.
Do We Truly Want Jesus to Return?
Many Christians say they long for Christ’s return, but Scripture challenges us to examine why.
Are we weary from faithfully serving Him?
Are we spending ourselves for His kingdom?
Are we exhausted from seeking Him, obeying Him, loving people, and making disciples?
Or are we spiritually passive while merely hoping to escape a difficult world?
The prepared servant longs for Christ because he has already given his life to Christ.
The return of Jesus is not primarily about escaping suffering. It is about finally seeing, worshiping, and reigning with the King we have spent our lives loving and obeying.
Run Today’s Play
Ask yourself honestly today:
If Jesus returned tonight, would He find me alert, faithful, and engaged in His mission?
Open God’s Word daily. Feed your soul on Scripture. Stay devoted to prayer. Share Christ boldly. Make disciples intentionally. Serve faithfully in the harvest field until either Jesus returns or He calls you home.
Do not merely watch the news. Watch your life.
The prepared servant is marked by perseverance, love for Scripture, obedience to Christ, and faithfulness to His mission.
Stay alert. Stay ready. Stay faithful.
