Do Not Let Your Guard Down

“Be on guard! Be alert! You do not know when that time will come.” Mark 13:33 NIV

In a story published by the Daily Mail on Tuesday, it was reported that a runner suffered an embarrassing loss after she started celebrating her win too soon, ultimately costing her the first place title. Xiao Fen, 35, was in the lead as she approached the finish line at the Women's Half Marathon in Chongqing, southwest China on Saturday. With a victory seemingly right in front of her, Xiao raised her arms in the air in triumph and appeared to slow down, allowing her rival to zoom past at the last second. Gan Zhifang overtook the runner and sprinted towards victory, crossing the finish line to become the first-place winner of the race. Footage of the Xiao's embarrassing loss quickly went viral on Chinese social media, with the runner saying she was 'disappointed' in the outcome. Xiao said that despite placing second just a few fractions of a second behind Gan, she should not have let her guard down and 'opened the champagne' ahead of time.

Sadly, as this story shows, there can be grave consequences for relaxing your vigilance before you cross the finish line. But, spiritually speaking, the consequences of letting your guard down before crossing the final finish line are gravely eternal. Which is the very reason Jesus, after explaining what the world would be like before his final return, warned the disciples to “Be on guard!” And to “Be alert!” Jesus went to explain, “You do not know when that time will come.” Which meant the disciples were to be prepared at all times—not letting themselves be deceived by false teachers, not letting themselves fall into sin, and faithfully serving the Lord and preaching the Gospel so they would be ready for His return, no matter when it happened.

So, as you look around at our world today, it’s easy to see that the return of Jesus could happen at any moment my friend. So be on guard! Be alert! And keep on running the race until you hear that trumpet blow!

Heavenly Father, thank You for helping us to discern the times by your Word. Help us to understand that we must be ready at all times and that we must urge others to do the same. Help us to be found faithful, watchful, and busy upon your return. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!