In yesterday’s devotional we looked at the story behind the popular war-time slogan: “Keep calm and carry on.” We modified it to say: “Keep calm and follow Jesus.”

It’s amazing how many times Jesus urges faithful vigilance even in the face of uncertainty and danger. In Mark 13:32-37 he was teaching about his return: “Be on guard! Be alert! You do not know when that time will come. It’s like a man going away: He leaves his house and puts his servants in charge, each with their assigned task, and tells the one at the door to keep watch. Therefore keep watch because you do not know when the owner of the house will come back—whether in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or at dawn. If he comes suddenly, do not let him find you sleeping. What I say to you, I say to everyone: ‘Watch!’”

Did you notice the repetition? Be on guard… be alert… keep watch… keep watch… watch…

What was true then continues to be true now.

When you are betrayed—keep calm and follow Jesus.

When you are hated for staying true to the word and ways of God—keep calm and follow Jesus.

When your preferred political party doesn’t win—keep calm and follow Jesus.

When your nation seems to be going in the wrong direction—keep calm and follow Jesus.

When more and more people neglect God’s laws—keep calm and follow Jesus.

When the love of many grows cold—keep calm and follow Jesus.

When the sun and moon are darkened—keep calm and follow Jesus.

And when he does return on that great and glorious Day—when sin and evil are vanquished forever, and when his grace and truth flood his new creation—may he find you ready. 

Notes:

-“Keep Calm and Follow Jesus (As the Apocalypse Nears)” Sermon. Click here.

-Bible quotes are from the NIV.