Watch
“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
When we say, “watch” in our day, it’s often used to describe a passive couch potato, pass the time away, entertain myself kind of “watch.” We watch TV, we watch video clips on social media. We sit back with some food and drink to watch a game.
But there’s another kind of “watch” as well. It’s an active, alert, on the lookout watch, the kind of watch Jesus was calling for in today’s focal verse. It’s a diligent, eyes peeled, on the ready watch so that you avoid being caught by surprise.
In the passage just before the verse above, Jesus tells his disciples: “There will be signs in the sun, moon and stars. On the earth, nations will be in anguish and perplexity at the roaring and tossing of the sea. People will faint from terror, apprehensive of what is coming on the world, for the heavenly bodies will be shaken. At that time they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.” He told them this parable: “Look at the fig tree and all the trees. When they sprout leaves, you can see for yourselves and know that summer is near. Even so, when you see these things happening, you know that the kingdom of God is near.” (Luke 21:25-31)
The postal carrier who delivers mail in my neighborhood is a believer and we’ve talked several times about the Lord’s return. I often see him delivering mail when I’m out running and we’ll call out to each other, “One day closer brother!” We don’t know the day or the hour, but we’re watching!
Are you watching for the Lord’s return?
Having begun as a guest speaker in 2005, Dan was appointed Interim Pastor in 2008 and has been serving Maple Root Baptist ever since. As a small group leader and Chaplin for the Connecticut Tigers, Dan has a heart for the lost and the God that saves them.