Psalm 80
Mark 13:33-37
Alter’s translation of the concluding verse of Psalm 80 reads, “Lord God of armies, bring us back/Light up Your face, that we may be rescued” (5). While the Lord, a vineyard owner, has neglected and abandoned the vineyard, the saving of it is still in the power of and at the will of the same vineyard owner. The action is three-fold. The Lord needs to be present, bring the people back, and make His presence known, but the rescue occurs because He has made His presence known. In other words, the Lord’s presence and saving actions are not enough, the psalm-singer implies He must also help the people recognize Him (3).
The gospel urges us to watch, wait and prepare for these three divine actions. The watchman in Jesus’ parable is waiting for his master… a man he has most probably met, served, and is already familiar with. He knows well who he was waiting for. The watchman might be tired and sleepy, perhaps out of fear he forces himself to remain awake. We do not know the watchman’s feelings towards the master, however, so his motivation could just as easily be the excitement of reuniting with someone he cares about.
Many of the writings of the prophets, the Book of Revelations, and this portion of Matthew, are considered apocalyptic literature, a genre which explains or details the end of time (7, 9). These end times are typically portrayed as dark and perilous, full of angst and regret. This gospel moment, however, alludes to birth and the return of the Master… the first an upbeat and cheerful event, the second hopefully so. If there is a term for literature focused on the end time, should we not have one which specifies literature about new time and new beginnings?
While we do not know what the end of time and the Second Coming will look like, because of the Incarnation, we know Who we waiting for. A piece of our preparations include seeing with new eyes Who is always with, within and among us. Are we intentionally engaging in thoughts, words and deeds which foster greater open-minded and open-heartedness in us? Such will prepare us to notice He is present to us already. Are we waiting for the Lord to light up His face so we can recognize Him Who we see before us daily?
Journal Questions
- When did a personal relationship of mine or an experience end badly? What new beginning came from it? Looking back, what do I know now about it, which I did not recognize at the time?
- When have I enjoyed waiting, when has it caused me anxiety? Do my feelings differ if waiting for someone I know vs. an unknown person or event?
References: Refer to blog post entitled Resources
© 2017 Marilyn MacArthur, all rights reserved
Writing to Pray 