Responding to Jesus: Diligence in the Last Days

Jesus is a gracious master, provisioning His servants with everything necessary to fulfill their tasks for Him. What He expects from his servants is diligence, motivated by His imminent return in glory. "Watch therefore, for you do not know when the master of the house is coming—lest, coming suddenly, he find you sleeping." (Mark 13:35-36 - NKJV) That wholoveourLord'sappearingare not those energized by endless speculation about its timing. Nor are they those living as if there will always be opportunity to takeseriouslythetasksourLord has given to us. ThosewholoveChrist's appearing are those who await Him eagerly, with active, enduring engagement in their unique work for His kingdom. As the first disciples would soon learn, it's easy for servants to fall asleep on the job. And it's easy for them to get sidetracked by lesser pursuits. Many a disciple will be surprised to realize they've given their life's best energies to something significant, but not lasting. Jesus desires so much more for us. "And what I say to you, I say to all: Watch!" v.37