“And Jesus began to say to them, ‘See that no one leads you astray.’” Mark 13:5 (ESV)
In a single chapter, Jesus gave 5 warnings to be alert! He says, “be careful and watchful that no one misleads you” (v. 5). Then several verses later He says, “look to yourselves and be on your guard, I have told you everything beforehand” (v. 23). Soon after he says, “be on your guard, constantly alert and watch and pray” (v. 33). Not quite done with this repetitive theme He says, “watch, give strict attention, be cautious and alert” (v. 35) and again, “watch, give strict attention, be cautious, active and alert” (v. 37). His words are not empty, wasted, and have no meaning. His words are powerful and should cause us to pay attention.
Be careful…
Don’t let anyone mislead you…
Be watchful…
Be alert…
Guard yourself…
Pray…
Be cautious…
Give strict attention…
Be active!
Ok, those are not passive terms! Please pay attention to this. God is allowing us to go through a testing right now. The church and the nation, right now, is in the fire. It is hot and He’s purifying us, exposing our heart motives, attitudes and behaviors according to His holy standard. His word, not what seems good and right to us is the standard. But in the midst of it all, He says, stay alert! Is there any place where you have let your guard down?
Ask God to grant you the grace to become fully wake up in this hour! Tell Him that you choose to be on your guard, constantly alert, watchful and to pray without ceasing, and ask Him for the grace to do so! Pray for your pastor and church to take this warning seriously, as these are unprecedented times. And pray that the church across our city would wake up and stand in this day of battle, together!
