Stop to consider Jesus’ words about the conclusion of this system of things. Mark’s account of Jesus’ prophecy of the last days reveals that Jesus repeatedly admonished us to keep alert. (Mark 13:33-37) We find a similar warning in the middle of the prophetic description of Jehovah’s great day at Armageddon. (Rev. 16:14-16) Why the repeated warnings? Such reminders are needed when as a result of waiting over what seems to be an extended period, people are at risk of losing their sense of urgency.
Jesus illustrated the need for us to be continually vigilant as we await the end of the system of things. He referred to a householder whose home had been burglarized. How could he have avoided being robbed? By staying awake through the whole night. Jesus concluded this illustration by counseling us: “Prove yourselves ready, because at an hour that you do not think to be it, the Son of man is coming.”—Matt. 24:43, 44.
That illustration shows the need for being prepared to wait, even for a considerable length of time. No, we should not be overly concerned that this wicked system may have lasted longer than we expected. We should not deceive ourselves by falsely reasoning that ‘Jehovah’s time has not come.’ Such thinking would dull our desire to preach the good news of the Kingdom.—Rom. 12:11.
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