Watchfulness
And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares. For as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth. Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man. Luke 21:34-36
The Lord Jesus ends his discourse about His return with a warning. He tells us to live in such a way that the day of His return will not take us by surprise. The Lord’s return will be startling if we have fallen asleep. He actually speaks of being in a stupor. This can take place when a person is overwhelmed with the cares of this life, though the cares themselves might not be sinful in themselves. You can be so taken up with your family, education or work that you do not give Christ’s return any thought. Suddenly that great event stands at the door. If you remain unprepared, as the foolish virgins in the parable were, then your end will be terrible.
You must remain awake and pay attention. The Lord uses His Word to do this. It is a great privilege that you may open your Bible daily, for through this regular activity God often rouses people from their sleep of sin. This is also the way He quickens his people’s faith. Seek to keep up this daily habit, as children sing in the well-known song: Read your Bible, Pray every day.
Thought: Have you been awakened out of your sinful slumber? Do you find it difficult to be watchful?
Psalter 428:5,8 (based on Psalm 119) O teach me, Lord, the way that I should go; Then shall Thy servant walk therein forever. Give understanding all Thy paths to know; Then shall I keep Thy law with zealous fervor. Instruct me in Thy perfect will and, lo, I shall observe it with my whole endeavor. Thy Word is as a lamp unto my feet, A light upon my pathway unto heaven; I’ve sworn an oath, which gladly I’ll repeat, That I shall keep, as always I have striven, Thy righteous judgments, holy and complete, When unto me Thy helping grace is given.
Comments