In light of all that Jesus has revealed about human history, what does he ask his disciples (then and now) to do? First, to learn from the fig tree. In agriculture, when the leaves of summer appear, it is too late to begin planting. So too, waiting to take Jesus' words to heart until we see cataclysmic signs is too late! Now is the time, before "these things" are seen happening, to live as Jesus' witnesses, standing firm on the gospel.

Jesus states clearly the day or hour is unknown by anyone. Instead of spending time speculating and guessing, Jesus tells us the third time to be on guard (9, 23, 33). It means to watch over ourselves, what we are thinking, feeling, saying, and doing in light of what we are anticipating: Jesus' return. Like the man who went away and entrusted his house to his servants, each with his assigned task, we each have a glorious purpose in life, which Jesus has entrusted to us. First and foremost, it is to be molded into the image of Jesus himself (Ro 8:29). But he also gives us unique gifts to be used in building up his church (Eph 4:11-13). In big and small ways, we must focus on growing as his servant and doing our task until he comes.


Application: Father, thank you for the hope of Jesus' return. Help me keep this in my mind and heart. Help me to grow to be the person Jesus called me to be, and to do the task he empowers me to do each day until I see his face.
One Word: Be found faithful.