I’ve been thinking lately about the whole subject of preparation. If we’re not preparing for the holidays, we’re at least thinking that we should be. We prepare for the coming winter, we prepare for fun things like trips, we even prepare for the unexpected tragedies that may strike. I’ve been wondering what all this preparation for earthly events can teach us about preparing for the Big Event. These verses in Mark are talking about the return of Jesus Christ in the end times. You and I may or may not still be alive at that time. But regardless, we will all see Him someday. Are you prepared? Am I? The Greek word translated “on guard” is the exact same Greek word that is also translated “alert.” Jesus is actually repeating the same admonition. It must be important! How can we prepare so that we are alert and ready?
When I prepare for a trip, the first thing I do is make reservations. Do you have your reservation for heaven? Do you have your ticket for the greatest flight ever? If you have accepted Jesus Christ as your savior and put your trust in Him, all that’s left is for the heavenly Pilot to decide when takeoff is. Whether our own personal takeoff is when we die or when Christ returns, the destination is the same. When we get there, we will celebrate in a way that will put any and all earthly celebrations to shame. Do you have anything to wear to that party? Are you clothed in the righteousness of Christ? He has promised that He will exchange our filthy rags for His clothes in blazing white. Are you willing to discard those rags to wear what He has for you?
Once we have our reservation and are preparing our clothes for the party, then what? Think of how many things we prepare for by studying. In school, we studied for tests. In our jobs, we study any new program or development that comes along. When we get a new phone or a new computer or a new, well, anything we study it. We figure out how it works and what it can do. So how do we study for Christ’s return? By studying His word. We ask questions such as who is God? How does He work? What does He do? What can I do when I have His Spirit in me? And we allow God’s word to change us, to transform our minds and our hearts. There are so many other ways to prepare for Christ’s return but these are the starting points. When the Spirit is within us, and as we study His word, He will show us the next step He would like us to take so we can be prepared. Then we can have great excitement as we anticipate meeting Him!