“But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Take heed, watch and pray; for you do not know when the time is. It 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. Watch 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— lest, coming suddenly, he find you sleeping. And what I say to you, I say to all: Watch!” (Mark 13:32 – 37)
I looked up the word “watch” in the original language that Jesus uses in this text and it means to be sleepless, to stay awake. But why is Jesus so urgently asking us to stay awake? What is that supposed to mean to me?
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When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord!” For he and all who were with him were astonished at the catch of fish which they had taken; and so also were James and John, the sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. And Jesus said to Simon, “Do not be afraid. From now on you will catch men.” So when they had brought their boats to land, they forsook all and followed Him. (Luke 5:8-11);
Many a time I have felt as Peter has in this text. Because of my sinful and unworthy condition I hesitate to enter into the presence of God. I have also met many people who feel that they have jacked life up so badly that they cannot draw close to God until they get it all together first. But Jesus’ word to us is the same as it was to unworthy Galilean fisherman, “Be not afraid”.
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