Mark 13:33-37 “Take heed, watch and pray; for you do not know when the time is. 34It is like a man going to a far country, who left his house and gave authority to his servants, and to each his work, and commanded the doorkeeper to watch. 35Watch therefore, for you do not know when the master of the house is coming—in the evening, at midnight, at the crowing of the rooster, or in the morning— 36lest, coming suddenly, he find you sleeping. 37And what I say to you, I say to all: Watch!”
Today’s devotional is a response by Jesus to an earlier question in this chapter by the disciples concerning the destruction of the temple and the timetable for such events. While there are indications prior to the return of Jesus, the exact time is unknown (v.32). Jesus’ warning in this passage is to stay alert so that we are not caught off guard.
Jesus compares the time between His first appearing and His second appearing to a man going away into a far country (v.34). We are now living in that time. There are three things that the Traveler does in His absence:
1. Gave authority to His servants. The word “authority” is the Greek word “exousia” and means delegated influence and jurisdiction. We have authority in the earth to act on His behalf. We need to know our jurisdiction in the earth. One example comes from Luke 10:19. Jesus said, “Behold, I give you the authority (“exousia”) to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you.” Know your sphere of authority as a believer!
2. Gave to each his work. Each of us has been given an assignment in the Master’s absence. There is a work for us to do and to accomplish.
3. Commanded the doorkeeper to watch. The word “watch” is used four times in this passage. It means to keep alert and stay awake. It is coupled with the word “pray” in verse 33. This is a posture that must be maintained at all times. It is a word for everyone (v.37).
The message is clear: stay awake and alert, be faithful to your kingdom assignment, take your rightful place of authority in the earth, and watch and pray. For we “do not know when the Master of the house is coming.”