August 2
A Call
to Watch
Mark 13:33
Be on guard! Be alert! You do not know when that time will come.
Daily Steps
After learning about the glorious certainties of the future—the resurrection (Day 208) and the New Home (Day 212)—the new believer must understand the practical implications for today. This verse provides the essential, three-part command for living peacefully in light of the end: Be on guard! Be alert!
The peace in this command is found in preparedness:
The Commands for Readiness: Jesus issues two strong commands for living faithfully in the present: "Be on guard!" (Guard your heart, mind, and faith) and "Be alert!" (Be watchful, spiritually awake). These commands are a call to active self-control (Day 183) and spiritual discipline, not passive waiting.
The Reason for Urgency: The reason for this urgency is the uncertainty of timing: "You do not know when that time will come." This uncertainty prevents complacency and forces the believer to live every day as if Christ could return. This constant readiness is the opposite of anxiety; it is the source of secure, intentional living.
The Result is Focus: This discipline keeps your focus on what truly matters: holiness (Day 198) and faithfulness to the mission (Day 186). When you are ready for Christ's return, you are living a life of purpose that naturally excludes the anxiety and distraction of the world.
Your peace in the future is secured by active readiness. Embrace the command to Be on guard! Be alert!, allowing the uncertain timing of Christ's return to sharpen your focus and define your faithfulness today.
Reflective Question
If you knew Jesus was returning exactly one week from today, what part of your life would you stop doing (an unholy habit) and what part would you start doing (a faithful action)? How can you obey the command to Be on guard! Be alert! today by acting on that realization?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I confess my tendency to become distracted and complacent. I thank You for the certain promise of Christ's return. I pray for the spiritual discipline to Be on guard! and Be alert! at all times.
Secure my peace today in Your Sovereignty and my preparedness, helping me to live every moment with the focus and purpose of someone who does not know when that time will come. Amen.
