Ready for the Mystery’s Reveal

Be on guard! Be alert! You do not know when that time will come. 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. 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. If he comes suddenly, do not let him find you sleeping. Mark 13:33-36

Ever since the first day of creation, there has been night and day. There has been time. God in his wisdom gave us a way to tell when day was coming (sunrise) or was about to go (sunset). He even gave us the sun, moon, and stars to help us further understand times and seasons.

Because of that, we are acutely aware of time. We are aware of when things start and when they end. When a woman becomes pregnant, the doctors give her a due date. When a person starts a job, they are told when a shift begins and ends. Most party invitations tell you at least when to come, and some even tell you when the party will be over. Throughout our lives we are constantly aware of the time. More to our point, we are aware of when something is going to end.

In Mark 13 we are encouraged not to be so concerned about when the party will end. It might last longer—one more karaoke! When the shift is over, a last-minute order might need to be filled. Though the due date is set, the baby could be early or late.

We are encouraged to be vigilant, staying in his Word. We are to do the work that God has called us to do, which he has prepared for us to do, during our shift. We are blessed to enjoy the party until God calls us home, according to his will.

And Jesus was the long-awaited baby that God sent when the time had fully come. He promised to return, and it will be on God’s time.

Heavenly Father, thank you for sending our Savior at the right time. Through your Spirit keep us strong in our faith and trust in you. Lord, help us to stay watchful, patiently waiting for your return. Amen.

Rev. Aaron Robinson serves Martin Luther College
as cultural diversity coordinator and as a professor of English.