Mark 13:33 “Beware, keep alert; for you do not know when the time will come.”

This passage refers to the second coming of Jesus Christ.

The whole chapter of 13 explains about the signs and symptoms of His arrival to the world.
All these are the signs of the warnings to the church.

The second coming is the hope of the church and Jesus Christ gives assurance about his second coming, but not of the time of it.

1. Be alert with discerning the world.
   In Mark 13: 21-23, Jesus warns against them about false prophets.
   Jesus told them that many would come to give the wrong direction in the world.
   They will show signs and wonders to prove their claims.

A true believer should be able to discern false teachings, especially those concerned with the second coming of Jesus Christ.

2. Be alert with signs and symptoms of Jesus’s coming.
   Jesus gives some signs and symptoms about his second coming.

According to him, the sun will be darkened and the moon will not give its light. And stars will be falling from heaven and the powers that are in the heaven will be shaken and the Son of Man will come in clouds with great power and glory (Mark 13:24-26).

A true believer should have a spiritual insight to identify and to recognize and be alert of the signs. Ignoring the signs means ignoring Jesus’s second coming.

3. Be vigilant and Be faithful with preparation for eternity.
   The signs and wonders give the warning to be prepared and vigilant. Don’t be lazy or careless or irresponsible.

• Be alert.
• Be awake.
• Be responsible and faithful because the master might come anytime. We should be accountable to the master who entrusted us the responsibilities.

Let us discipline our life and prepare ourselves as we don’t know about the time but surely He will come again to take His people.

Jooley Mathew Z
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🍜 At the Table 🍜

Two important incidents happened as Jesus was reclining at the table. Both revolved around the sacrificial death of Jesus.

📖 While he was in Bethany, reclining at the table in the home of Simon the Leper, a woman came with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, made of pure nard. She broke the jar and poured the perfume on his head (Mark 14:3).

The woman who anointed Jesus was rebuked harshly for wasting such a big amount. But Jesus appreciated and acknowledged her act of devotion. Genuine worship must be acceptable to our Lord.

Another important incident happened as Jesus was reclining at the table in the upper room with His disciples.

📖 While they were reclining at the table eating, he said, “Truly I tell you, one of you will betray me—one who is eating with me.” (Mark 14:18)

Jesus knew who would betray Him. He told the disciples that He would be betrayed. And the disciples were sad. Jesus foretold the pathetic condition of the deceiver. But Judas did not repent or give heed to the warning.

Dear ones in Christ, do you know that a lot can happen at the table? Have you ever realized that important conversations and decisions are taken while eating meals? Do you have regular meals at the table as a family? Jesus took efforts to talk with the inner circle of disciples. It is these meaningful conversations that binds the family together.

Nowadays food is eaten watching the television. Mobile, WhatsApp, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram has stolen our times of conversation at the dining table. Why not return to the good old days where family relationships were strengthened while eating?

God bless us to be channels of blessings.

Mrs Sheela Jebakumar ✍
February 18, 2021