Watch!
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Colossians 1:28-29 NIV
We proclaim Jesus, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ. To this end I labor, struggling with all his energy, which so powerfully works in me.
Mark 13:32-37
But of that day or that hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Take heed, watch; for you do not know when the time will come. It is like a man going on a journey, when he leaves home and puts his servants in charge, each with his work, and commands the doorkeeper to be on the watch. Watch therefore - for you do not know when the master of the house will come, in the evening, or at midnight, or at cockcrow, or in the morning - lest he come suddenly and find you asleep. And what I say to you I say to all: Watch.
These are not the scripture passages for which I hoped this morning! I admit that not with disappointment, but as an acknowledgement that I had fallen – already – after being awake less than an hour – into my “it’s about me” mode! Yikes! You see, more often than I care to admit, I ponder whether or not I’ll actually post a devotion on any given morning. This was not the case back in April of 2004, when I had a brand new, beautifully designed web site, and the thought of being able to reach so many people was exciting and new. Life gets in the way of our best intentions sometimes. It happens to me just as it does to everyone.
I also must admit that I have fought God sometimes about this ministry. I am not the best example of all I preach! I do not possess all the qualities I read about on my own web log! I argue with God on a regular basis. I doubt Him sometimes. I disobey Him often. There, I’ve said it! Knowing these truths about myself, I find myself asking God, “So what are you thinking?”
Then I read Colossians; and Mark. Perhaps God’s intention is not for me only to proclaim the Good News to the world – but rather to remind me of whose I am; of where I came from; and where I am going. The added benefit of this daily reminder is that others may benefit from my journey and from my conversations with God. More—from what He reveals to me. And I am to labor not with my own energy – which is so often depleted – but with His energy – which has no limit. I am to do my daily “duty” and consider it not as a task to be done, but a pleasure and a joy; because I am alive and have been redeemed and live in the assurance of eternal life. How can I not share that!?
I don’t know exactly what scripture I expected to reflect upon this morning. I think I was secretly hoping it would be something from the adventures of King David or Moses. I’m feeling very “obedient” these days and I guess I was thinking I should get a little pat on the back. Wow! What a spoiled brat! I have endured nothing compared to the great ancestors of my faith! Nothing even compared to modern day saints, laboring in poverty, hardship, danger. Get up, Mary. Get busy, Mary. Watch, Mary! My obedience is not about being recognized or rewarded. It is about my own humble admission that I am nothing without God. It is about my inexpressible gratitude that I am His – that He claims me.
He works so powerfully within me! Sometimes I cannot contain my excitement and my energy and my zeal! Jesus is Risen! Take a deep breath and say it again – out loud: Jesus is Risen! Proclaim it! I’ve already received the only acknowledgement, recognition, glory I’ll ever need! And I thank God for that truth.
My prayer today is that you Watch! And that you will seize every opportunity to proclaim the Risen Lord.
Mary
