The Urgency of the Master's Return

The Urgency of the Master's Return

Stay Awake: The Call to Watchfulness in the Final Hour

Text: Mark 13:32–37 (NKJV) Theme: Jesus commands us to live alert, prayerful, and faithful lives in anticipation of His return. Key Verse: “And what I say to you, I say to all: Watch!” (v. 37)

Introduction:

In 1988, a man named Edgar Whisenant wrote a book titled “88 Reasons Why the Rapture Will Be in 1988.” Over 4.5 million copies were distributed. People sold their homes, quit jobs, and waited anxiously. But 1988 came and went. The tragedy was not just a failed prediction—it was a distracted Church. Jesus didn’t call us to speculate, but to watch. Not to predict, but to prepare. Not to sit idle, but to serve faithfully while we wait.

The return of Christ is not just a doctrine—it’s a wake-up call. Mark 13:32–37 is a trumpet blast to sleeping saints. It’s a call to vigilance in a world of distractions, deception, and delay.

Point 1: No One Knows the Hour — Stay Humble

(v. 32 – “But of that day and hour no one knows…”)

Jesus reminds us that the precise timing of His return is a mystery.

Matthew 24:36 confirms this truth.

This calls for humility, not haughty speculation.

Illustration: A pilot once said, “The most dangerous moment is when you think you know it all.” In the same way, when we believe we’ve figured out God’s timeline, we risk pride and error.

Application: Avoid date-setting and focus on daily living for Christ. Walk by faith, not forecast.

Point 2: Take Heed — Stay Focused

(v. 33 – “Take heed…”)

“Take heed” means to be aware, alert, and discerning.

1 Peter 5:8: “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion...”

We are in enemy territory. Distraction is the enemy’s strategy.

Illustration: A soldier on night watch who checks his phone and falls asleep jeopardizes the entire camp. Focus saves lives.

Application: Guard your heart from distractions—social media, compromise, false doctrine.

Point 3: Watch and Pray — Stay in Communion

(v. 33 – “Watch and pray...”)

Jesus links watching with prayer—because prayer keeps our spirit awake.

Luke 21:36: “Watch therefore, and pray always...”

Prayer aligns us with heaven’s agenda and shields us from temptation.

Illustration: When Jesus asked His disciples to watch and pray in Gethsemane, they fell asleep. Three times. How many wake-up calls do we need?

Application: Cultivate daily prayer. Revival doesn’t come to sleepy souls but to praying hearts.

Point 4: Each His Work — Stay Faithful in Service

(v. 34 – “...and to each his work...”)

Every believer has an assignment. Our job is not to sit idle but to work while it is day.

Ephesians 2:10: “For we are His workmanship, created... for good works...”

The Master expects progress, not procrastination.

Illustration: When a manager steps out, good employees stay productive. The lazy ones only pretend when he returns. Which are we?

Application: Serve in your calling—whether it's preaching, parenting, or praying. Keep the oil burning.

Point 5: The Doorkeeper — Stay on Guard

(v. 34 – “...commanded the doorkeeper to watch...”)

A doorkeeper had one job: guard the entry point.

Spiritually, we are gatekeepers—over our hearts, homes, churches.

Proverbs 4:23: “Guard your heart... for out of it spring the issues of life.”

Illustration: Security guards at Buckingham Palace don’t nap on duty. Why should we?

Application: Be spiritually vigilant—against false teaching, sin, bitterness, and compromise.

Point 6: The Master May Come at Any Hour — Stay Ready

(v. 35 – “in the evening, at midnight, at the crowing of the rooster, or in the morning...”)

Jesus can return any moment. We must live like it’s today.

1 Thessalonians 5:2: “The day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night.”

Illustration: Like a fire drill at school, the alarm could ring without warning. The students who take it seriously exit quickly—others panic. Which group do you belong to?

Application: Don’t wait to get right. Live in a constant state of readiness. Keep short accounts with God.

Point 7: Watch! — Stay Awake Spiritually

(v. 37 – “And what I say to you, I say to all: Watch!”)

This is a universal command for all believers.

Romans 13:11: “...it is high time to awake out of sleep; for now our salvation is nearer...”

Spiritual slumber is fatal in the end times.

Illustration: Carbon monoxide is called the “silent killer” because it puts people to sleep while they die. Spiritual slumber works the same way—it lulls us while we drift from God.

Application: Shake off complacency. Wake up to righteousness. Watch with urgency. Watch with passion. Watch with purpose.

Conclusion: A Cry to the Sleeping Church

Jesus is not calling for spectators—He’s calling for soldiers. Watchmen. Intercessors. Servants. This is not the time for compromise or comfort. It’s the hour of midnight oil. The time of trimming lamps. The moment to be found awake, alert, and aflame.

Altar Call:

Are you sleeping spiritually? Are you distracted, drifting, or disengaged? The trumpet hasn’t sounded yet—but the signs are everywhere. God is not asking you to predict the day—He’s asking you to prepare for it.

Come. Wake up. Watch. Pray. Burn again.

Prayer:

“Lord, awaken my heart. Stir my spirit. Remove spiritual slumber from my soul. Teach me to watch and pray. Let me be found faithful when You return. Let me serve with joy, pray with fire, and live with urgency. In Jesus’ name. Amen.”