Watch and Pray

Exodus 1-2; Ps 88; Luke 21 

“Be careful, or your hearts will be weighed down with dissipation, drunkenness and the anxieties of life, and that day will close on you unexpectedly like a trap. For it will come upon all those who live on the face of the whole earth. 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 21:34-46

Living a life that is self-controlled, alert to Christ’s work in the world, and watchful for his return is not the path of least resistance. The prevailing winds blow in the direction of self-indulgent living and the anxiety of buying and maintaining more than we need. There is a better way to live. Jesus is speaking to us. This life is only a preparation for our life with him, life that is eternal. This world is not our home. We watch and pray because our King is returning soon and he is inviting us to live on mission with him now while there is still time. Jerusalem, history tells us, experienced destruction at the hands of the Romans one generation after Jesus spoke these words. When the “times of the Gentiles” are fulfilled, Jesus will once again shake the heavens and the earth and return for his Bride, the Church. Our Bridegroom is returning and now is the time to watch and pray and invite others to meet him.

Are we ready?

“Lord Jesus, keep me watchful and prayerful as I await your return and live on mission with you, for your glory.”