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.
