As we look around us and view world events, we realize that times are certainly unsettling. Even on one hand to be a citizen of the greatest country in the world, it does not change the fact that on the other hand, our society within America is morally and spiritually falling apart and indications show it moving further and further away from God. In spite of the best of efforts of Christians, we are facing the reality that the vast majority care not for God or the blessings associated with the church of our Lord Jesus Christ (cf. Matt. 7:13-14). Therefore, how are we to react in these unsettling times?
I recall a statement that Jesus made to His Jewish disciples in their own circumstances of unsettling times. In Mark 13, He was forewarning them of events that would take place less than forty years in the future—a horribly violent time when the Roman Empire would destroy the city of Jerusalem. He refers to this act with the term “abomination of desolation” (Mark 13:14—sounds horrible, does it not?) and points from the prophecy of Daniel to its fulfillment. Just casually read through this chapter, and you will hear many things that show an unsettling situation. In the midst of this, and in view of our own impending Judgment Day forthcoming, Jesus said, “Take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is” (Mark 13:33). We may see the unsettling nature of the approaching Judgment Day with the clarifying words, “…for ye know not when the time is,” just as He also mentioned in the preceding verse (Mark 13:32).
In the first place, He begins with the words, “Take ye heed….” It comes from a single Greek verb that indicates the act of beholding and taking caution. It very often renders itself with the idea of looking. Thus, it is as if Jesus is encouraging them, “Stop! Open your eyes!” Other places render it as, “Beware!” (cf. Mark 8:15; 12:38; Phil. 3:2; Col. 2:8). As a matter of fact, Mark uses this word five times in this chapter alone. Therefore, we cannot close our eyes to what is ongoing around us. This is not a time to get “tunnel vision.” We cannot afford to act as ostriches with our heads buried in the sand, completely oblivious to what is happening in the world. The very first reaction from us is to become aware of what is happening, because the very first step in falling to deception is when we close our eyes to what is happening (cf. Matt. 24:4).
Second, Jesus continues with the encouragement to watch. It was not enough to open their eyes momentarily, but they were to keep them open. The term literally means, “Do not fall asleep!” What a wonderful encouragement we gain in one of the few occasions we see this term when the Hebrew writer states of elders, “…for they watch for your souls” (Heb. 13:17). In other words, elders never fall asleep at their watch when it comes to their role of shepherding the flock, because the moment they fall asleep, this is when wolves will sneak in and devour the sheep. Pertaining to our discussion of how we are to react in unsettling times, because of the unsettling nature of these times, we cannot afford to fall asleep at the wheel! We must not only open our eyes, but keep them open and avoid falling asleep!
Third, we react in unsettling times through prayer. Mrs. MA Kidder wrote,
When you met with great temptation, did you think to pray? When sore trials came upon you, did you think to pray? When your soul was bowed in sorrow, Balm of Gideon did you borrow at the gates of day? O, how praying rests the weary! Prayer will change the night to day; so when life seems dark and dreary, don’t forget to pray.
By the encouragement of our Lord to pray, He was encouraging His disciples to stay near to God. Through His admonition to pray, He was encouraging His disciples to rely upon God and realize their need for Him! So many times in difficult and trying situations, we throw up our hands and turn our backs on God. However, whenever we face these unsettling times, we evermore need to pray!
Therefore, as we may face unsettling times, Jesus provides us with the encouragement to react in the proper way—become aware of what is happening, stay alert and focused so that proper preparations may be in order, and “pray without ceasing” (cf. 1 Thess. 5:17).