The people of God have puzzled over Jesus’ Words about ‘the end’ for centuries. It seems no one is quite sure what it all means. Often times with Jesus’ teachings and parables there is a punch line that is not hard to understand. So it is with this morning’s chapter.
Verses 34-36 are Jesus’ punch line. I spent my meditative time with these words. "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
Two warnings:
Be careful, or your hearts will be weighed down… Whatever the end may be, whenever the end may be, there is the potential for being weighed down. Maybe things will get so difficult for Christ followers that many will be tempted to throw in the towel and give up. Maybe in times of pain some will be tempted to find escape in the bottle or be so consumed with worry and anxiety that they loose heart. Jesus warns us to guard our hearts, remain steady and steadfast. Hang in there, Jesus warns. Whatever we are forced to endure, enduring till the end is far better than giving up midstream.
Be always on the watch, and pray that you may be able to escape… As you wait and long for Jesus’ return keep your eyes open. Pay attention to the things around you and the signs in the heavens. Watch, listen and PRAY. Pray that you will be able to escape what will happen, that you will endure whatever will happen, that you will stand firm till the end so that you can stand before the Son of Man.
Guard your heart…
Keep watch…
Pray for escape…
I don’t have to wait until things get really bad to do these things. Jesus is saying, ‘Start now’. Develop a life pattern of guarding heart, keeping watch, praying for escape…
Lord, thank You for these very clear, very practical faith actions. May I heed Your Word. May I listen to Your call. Amen.
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