Gone are the days when the majority of households across the United States and Canada left their homes unlocked day and night. The idyllic scene of a squeaky screen door being pushed open and banging closed, has faded even in small town America.

The first home security system was invented in 1966 and patented in 1969 by Marie Van Brittan Brown. Marie’s husband often traveled for work, and she didn’t feel secure answering the door in his absence. The system she created consisted of two peepholes, a TV monitor, a two-way microphone and a sliding camera. Marie could see who was at her door and interact with them from inside the safety of her home.

From that time to the present, home security has been revolutionized. Wireless technology, video surveillance, integration with smart devices, AI, and cloud -based systems seamlessly work together to provide protection and peace of mind for countless households.

But what about when you step out your door? One of the tenets of personal safety, away from your home, is to be aware of your surroundings. Pay attention when you’re walking down the street, loading packages into your car in the Mall parking lot, or even sitting in a restaurant. Don’t have your face riveted to your phone. Look up! Pay attention! TAKE HEED!

The last two-word warning, “TAKE HEED,” was used by Jesus four times in Mark 13, KJV. Other translations, such as the NIV or the NASB, translate the phrase “watch out,” “see to it,” and “be on guard.”

Mark 13 is known as the Olivet Discourse, (also found in Matthew 24 and Luke 21.) Jesus begins teaching his disciples after they mention the temple’s majestic buildings, and he answers that these magnificent structures will be destroyed. Peter, James, John and Andrew ask Jesus when this is going to happen, and what needs to happen first.

Jesus’ response includes a discourse detailing persecution, and current, continuing and end-time prophecies. And throughout this dialogue, he warns, “TAKE HEED!”

“And Jesus began to say to them, ‘TAKE HEED that no one misleads you.’” (Mark 13:5) Many individuals will claim to be Christ. Various wars and natural disasters will happen. This is just the starting point.

In verse 9, Jesus warns the disciples to look out for their personal safety. “TAKE HEED, for they will deliver you to the courts, and you will be flogged in the synagogues, and you will stand before governors and kings for My sake, as a testimony to them.” He reassures the disciples not to be anxious when they are arrested, for the Holy Spirit will speak through them.

Jesus continues in the succeeding verses, sharing details of a terrible time of trouble and suffering, ending with “TAKE HEED” in verse 23. “But TAKE HEED; behold, I have told you everything in advance.”

Finally, after unparalleled occurrences in the skies---darkened sun, falling stars and more---Jesus tells his disciples he will return with great power and glory. No one but God knows when that will happen. Not the angels, not even Jesus.

“TAKE HEED, keep on the alert; for you do not know when the appointed time will come.” (Mark 13:33)

Jesus expands on this warning by giving an example of a man on a journey, away from his house, who instructed the doorkeeper to stay alert. The doorkeeper did not know when the man might return. Perhaps he would be found asleep, not ready for his master’s return.

Jesus ends his teaching with authority. “Be on the alert!” (Mark 13:37b)

Unlike the doorkeeper in Jesus’ example, (verses 34-36), who might not be ready, Marie Van Brittan Brown, the inventor of the first home security system, wanted to be prepared if someone knocked on her door. She wanted to know who was on the other side.

You can know who is waiting patiently to enter the door of your heart. Just listen.

“Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and will dine with him, and he with Me. He who overcomes, I will grant to him to sit down with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne.” (Revelation 3:20,21)

Luke 21:28, (also the Olivet Discourse) says, “But when these things begin to take place, straighten up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.”

Let’s face each day with a head lifted up in praise of our Creator, and a heart prepared and anticipating the return of our Savior. Come Lord Jesus!