“Tell us, when will these things happen? And what will be the sign when all these things are about to take place” (Mark 13:3,4)? Jesus’ answer was long and detailed, giving them signs to watch for, but then two days later He was crucified. After Jesus’ death and resurrection the disciples again asked Him, “Lord, at this time are You restoring the kingdom to Israel” (Acts 1:6)? Jesus repeated to them what He had said on the Mount of Olives: “It’s not for you to know the times or periods that the Father has set by His own authority” (Acts 1:7).
Even though the exact day or hour wasn’t given, that doesn’t negate the fact that Jesus had given them signs to be watching for. “Learn this parable from the fig tree: As soon as its branch becomes tender and sprouts leaves, you know that summer is near. In the same way, when you see these things happening, know that He is near—at the door” (Mark 13:28)! The signs that He told them to watch for had not yet come.
After Jesus had told them that it wasn’t for them to know the time or period set by the Father’s authority, they watched in amazement as Jesus ascended into the clouds. They were gazing into the heavens when suddenly two men in white clothes stood by them and asked, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking up into the heavens? This Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come in the same way that you have seen Him going into heaven” (Acts 1:11). Jesus had told them on the Mount of Olives that the Son of Man would come in the clouds with great power and glory. In Revelation 1:7 it says, “Look! He is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see Him.”
How long can you watch and wait without losing interest? The disciples saw Jesus’ ascension and they lived their lives believing the promise spoken by the angels. Many generations have come and gone and still we wait. My great grandmother, Nell Gillespie, believed in Jesus’ second coming but she died without seeing it. It is only natural at some point to stop waiting, to shift your attention from a coming Kingdom and let the hope fade.
Jesus ended His prophecy of His return by saying, “Watch! Be alert! For you don’t know when the time is coming” (Mark 13:33). One thing I’ve been told about Nell Gillespie is that her hope in Jesus’ return dictated how she lived her life. The torch of faith was passed on to her children. I remember visiting my Great Aunt Ellen on her death bed. She knew that she was dying. Her last words to me were, “He will return!” Jesus said, “And what I say to you, I say to everyone: Be alert” (Mark 13:37)! I believe He is near, even at the door!
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