Watch and Pray

Watch and Pray

“Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.” Luke 21:33 

I always encourage people to read the Bible because it is the Word of God, and the Word of God is eternal. In the verse above Jesus, who was God in human form, told his disciples that even “heaven and earth would pass away” but his words would never pass away—they are eternal because they are God’s words.

Jesus said these things in the days just before His death and resurrection. After he rose victoriously from the dead and ascended to heaven, he left His followers with the promise that He would one day return to judge the world and make everything right.

Until that time, we are to be his ambassadors to our family, friends, and neighbors as though God were making his appeal to them through us (2 Corinthians 5:20). He encourages us to live toward his return and to understand that as that day approaches Christians will face increasing persecution, even from those who are closest to us. We have an important job to do, and Jesus warns us to be careful not to get caught up in the ways of the world. “Be careful,” He says, “or your hearts will be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness and the anxieties of life, and that day will close on you suddenly like a trap.” (Luke 21:34)

Though he’s told us in advance it will happen—and His words will never pass away—many will be caught by surprise by his return, and for those who do not know him as Savior it will be a time of peril. Jesus tells us to watch and pray and to be ready for that day: “Be always on the watch, and pray that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen, and that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man.”(Luke 21:36) Are you ready?

Are you ready for the return of Christ? Are you living toward that day?