Many of us are captivated by watching sports. Count the number of channels and programs that feature the actions and performance of athletes. Slow-motion replays and exceptional commentators explore every nuance of a play and point out distractions that cause a player to miss a catch or error in some way. Frequently, we hear a football commentator or coach talk about a player missing a catch or a hand off because he took his eyes off the ball. A good receiver “looks the ball” into his hands—his gaze is so fixed on the spiraling leather that he’s oblivious to the possibility of a defender hitting him. With a similar focus, the running back charges to the line of scrimmage, relying upon the quarterback’s eyes and timing to carefully spot the ball into the pocket created with the runner’s arms or hands. If for a split second he allows the movements or motions of the defender to distract him the ball could be dropped.

It is critical to the ultimate success of a football player to have excellent hand-eye coordination. Even defensive linemen have special eyes-on-the-ball drills to help them become better focused. This split-second difference in a lineman picking up the snap can make the difference in delivering the attack or waiting for it to come to him. A lineman’s catlike quickness can be a positive factor only when he fixes his gaze on the ball. In short, every player must put himself on high alert, keep his eyes on the ball, and anticipate what will happen next. In the same way, when it comes to Jesus’ return, we too are in danger of “missing the ball.”

In Mark 13, Jesus spoke to His disciples about His return and the events surrounding it. By way of analogy, we might say that He lectured His disciples (us) much like a football coach would before a Superbowl game. Here are some of the warnings Jesus gave us:

“But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Be on guard! Be alert! You do not know when that time will come. Therefore keep watch… If he comes suddenly, do not let him find you sleeping. What I say to you, I say to everyone: ‘Watch!’” (Mark 13:32-37)

Repeatedly, Jesus urges us to “keep watch,” “be on guard,” “be alert,” and “be ready” for His return. Regarding Christ’s second coming, we definitely want to “keep our eye on the ball” by anticipating and looking for His coming, living holy lives, and sharing the Gospel with others.

Scripture Reading: 2 Peter 3:10-14

Personal Application:  In 2 Timothy 4:8, Paul refers to those who long for Christ’s return. To what extent does that apply to you? Why or why not? How is the Holy Spirit speaking to you right now about being alert, watchful and ready for Jesus’ return?

    Jim Grassi, D. Min.

We cherish any verse in Scripture that reminds us to keep focused and intentional about evangelism and discipleship. “But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry.” 2 Timothy 4:5