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 13:33-37)

The Most Expensive Watch

Warnings of danger tell the traveler to take care because unseen and sudden hazards may present themselves without warning. Signs will warn of fallen rocks, flash floods, avalanches, rip currents, sinkholes, etc. Anything can happen, and usually there is no warning. These warnings provide information that, if heeded, could save a life. The warning is given, but when an event may happen is unknown. Care and watchfulness are needed to ensure that, if danger presents itself, the proper actions have been taken to keep one safe from harm.

Jesus taught His disciples one of the basic elements of the human story. Many things come suddenly in life, without warning, and with great consequences. Death is the silent killer of millions who are not prepared for the end of life. The reality of death is ignored more than anything in life because few people live in such a manner as to consider the possibilities that would happen to them. Life is filled with gusto, recreation, pleasure, and years of busy work that satisfy the soul. And then, without warning, death comes.

Unexpected events in life change lives forever because they come suddenly and so often without warning. Jesus warned the Jews of the coming desolation that would culminate in the complete destruction of Jerusalem. He reminds them that when the day comes, they should remember that He told them what was coming beforehand. In 70 AD, the Romans destroyed Jerusalem. They were unprepared for destruction because few believed it would happen. It came. Jesus’ words came true. Few heeded the warnings.

Another day is coming that very few take notice of. As in all generations, life continues on the hectic pace of seeking after the trappings of a material world. Pleasure is the main goal. Wealth and riches are hoarded vainly. Everyone is busy being busy with life and the pursuit of happiness, unaware of the lurking danger that will reveal itself one day to everyone’s surprise. No one knows when this day will come. Jesus does not know, but He talked about it. It will be the final and complete day of destruction and judgment. Its coming will be cataclysmic in its size, speed, and destructive power. The day God sends His Son to destroy the world.

A day of judgment is coming. There can be no doubt because it is a promise of God. Jesus warned His disciples of the coming judgment, which has not come in two thousand years. For the faithful, knowing such a day is coming helps prepare the heart for the inevitable but unknown day. Three things reside in the heart of those prepared. They have heeded the word of God, watch with diligent faith in their lives, and pray to the Lord God for courage to face the day when Jesus returns.

The people of God will not be caught unaware because they know there will be no warnings, but they will be ready. Like servants whose master has gone away to a far country promising to return, they are watchful and ready. When the master returns is unknown. It could be in the evening, at midnight, at the crowing of the rooster, or in the morning. Faithful servants will not be found sleeping but awake and ready and watching. Why is this the most expensive watch? Because if a man fails to be awake at the watch when the Lord returns, he will forfeit his soul to eternal darkness and punishment. It will cost him eternal life. Jesus said: Watch!