Watch Out

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Scripture: Luke 21:34-36 (ESV)

34 “But watch yourselves lest your hearts be weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and cares of this life, and that day come upon you suddenly like a trap. 35 For it will come upon all who dwell on the face of the whole earth. 36 But stay awake at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that are going to take place and to stand before the Son of Man.”

Devotion:

            In this brief scripture passage, Jesus warns all His followers for all time. Jesus knows how easily humans can get off track and engage in sinful behaviors. Jesus warns us here and elsewhere in the gospels that His return will come without warning or any advance notice. (A word here for all who try to set dates for His return: You are wrong!) The date and time are unknown to any human, which calls for special vigilance and urgent repentance.

            All the people in the world will one day be judged for their deeds. This is an unpopular opinion to express in our 21st-century world. We live in a world that is mostly blissfully ignorant of God’s plans for the end of time. A Christian must study the scriptures and find a general outline of God’s plan for the future—a future that includes rewards and punishment based on God’s unfailing justice.

            Jesus’ admonition to stay awake at all times is not a call for sleep deprivation but for a life lived in holiness and purity in Him—a life devoted to prayer. In our day, it is difficult to find time to pray. Jesus says we must pray, though. We must pray as often and as urgently as possible for the salvation of this world and ourselves. Only through prayer, Jesus teaches here, will we be able to find the strength to face the Righteous Judge of the world.

            These words must be brought before our society. They are an urgent warning to repent of our sinful ways and seek the ways of justice and righteousness. The people that make up the body of Christ on earth must not shrink back in fear but be bold to proclaim this word of warning to all the nations of the earth. It is good to remember that the scripture teaches that God is restraining His judgment so all will have the opportunity to repent and be made whole and holy.

Prayer:

            Lord, help us urgently and insistently proclaim the truth found in this passage from your Holy Word. Help us prepare ourselves for your return. And be ready to proclaim the need for such readiness to all within the sound of our voice. We know that being unprepared for your return invites eternal disaster. Help us, Lord, to prepare ourselves and those around us for your return. In Jesus' mighty name, we ask this: Amen.

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