We see the world spiraling downward around us and think the end is surely near, but is it? We wouldn't be the first to think so. Throughout the centuries, others have been just as certain, and they've all been proven wrong. Our modern day "prophets" aren't having any more success in their predictions. I am beginning to question some of the beliefs common in today's evangelical circles regarding the end times. That questioning for me only drives home even more forcefully the words of Jesus as he calls us to be alert and "stay awake!" We should not presume to know the things that we are explicitly told that we cannot know, but we are exhorted to observe the season. We must stay awake, vigilant, and ready to welcome our master home. Our text is from Mark 13, focusing on verses 33-37