“But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.33 Be on guard! Be alert[e]! You do not know when that time will come. 34 It’s like a man going away: He leaves his house and puts his servants in charge, each with their assigned task, and tells the one at the door to keep watch. 35 “Therefore keep watch because you do not know when the owner of the house will come back—whether in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or at dawn. 36 If he comes suddenly, do not let him find you sleeping. 37 What I say to you, I say to everyone: ‘Watch!’” Mark 13.32-37
It strikes me as interesting that not even Jesus knows the time of His return. And yet, He is God in the flesh, the Word of God, who knows all things. Why would He not know this? We just accept it as gospel (pun intended) that Jesus doesn’t know when He is returning. Why is it important that only the Father knows? What harm would it cause if Jesus knew?
Unfortunately, I do not know the answers to these questions. I must assume God has a great purpose in not telling Jesus when He is returning to earth. It is also a secret kept from the angels. No one knows the hour…only the Father. Would the angels cease their work or become weary if they knew the time of Christ’s arrival? Again, what’s the purpose in them not knowing? Apparently, this is one of the best-kept secrets in God’s Kingdom. Jesus’ return will usher in the final age—why not let Him in on the secret of great importance?
But in spite of this, we are called to keep watch, to be ready, to prepare for this time. Jesus tells us it’s like a man who goes away and leaves his house in the charge of his servants. He could return at any time, but when the owner returns, he better not find them sleeping. It reminds me of some wealthy hill country ranches which are kept manicured to perfection, even when the owners don’t visit but a few times a year. The ranch is ready anytime the owner returns (it kind of seems like a waste of time and resources to me, however!).
But remember, it’s Jesus giving us this parable. He is admitting that He does not know this secret information of His return but concludes the instruction with “Watch!” Be on your guard and be ready for the return of the owner of the house, or in clearer terms—God’s Son who will return to redeem the world.
So what must we do to keep watch? We till the garden, clean the house of our hearts, and sanitize our souls with the power and presence of the Holy Spirit. We use every spiritual tool and technique available to us to keep ready. It’s like a boxer who does not know when his next fight might be but keeps on training so he is ready for the next bout.
I wish I was better at keeping my spiritual house in order! I am too lazy at times, enjoying sleep and not as disciplined as I need to be in exercise, prayer, and diet. But I am striving to be more like Christ. And even when I fail, His mercy is readily available to me. His grace is abundant and His loving-kindness near.
Let us watch and be ready in our waiting. Let us pray for His return, and until He comes, let us spread His Good News to all we meet. Let us be the hands and feet of Jesus to a world deep in need of the Savior’s love.
“O Lord God, again, I’m in Italy, seeing some fantastic sights and enjoying time with family. I thank You for the power of rest and relationship. Come now, Holy Spirit, guide my steps. Allow me to be Your witness wherever I go. I love You and praise Your name. Fill me with Your grace and love that I might serve You all the days of my life. For You are good and Your love endures forever.” Amen