O My People, Watch and Pray ~ Part 1
Sabbath Greetings Brethren, The Spring Festivals of 2016 are just about upon us and during the next few weeks our minds will be focused on the future hope we have depicted by the many allegorical meanings of Passover and the Days of Unleavened Bread, along with the Wave Sheaf Offering and the two special Holy Days that begin and end the week long festival. As followers of Christ we look forward to the time that these days symbolize: A time when Christ returns and will gather His collective Bride, return with her from the Wedding Feast, sets up His Kingdom, and the resurrected saints begin the work of restoring the earth to its former beauty and pristine majesty. We think about how Christ will reign supreme, the people of the world will finally have the veil of deception taken off from their eyes and will repent. Righteousness will once again blanket the earth and all evil will be banished for the thousand year millennium. But as we live out our lives in the present, we have to face the reality that we are just not there yet. Every day we are bombarded with headline news with reports of war, terrorism, corruption in our government, catastrophic events happening around the globe, and all sorts of heinous crimes committed by evil men and women against humanity. As we witness the things that are going on in our world, it does seem that the end time evils that are prophesied in Scripture appear to be intensifying as the weeks and months go by. We live in unprecedented times like no other in the history of mankind. Never has there been a time of so much knowledge and technological advantage and yet at the same time there is so much uncertainty and anxiety. The very bedrock of society seems to be on the verge of collapse as we see wars, rumors of wars, natural disasters, violence, rampant immorality, financial woes, and continuing dissolution of our freedoms and liberties taking place. We also witness increasing deception and misinformation arising from secular and religious sources alike. It is hard to know who is telling us the truth and if we can trust what anyone says. Whether we realize it or not, we are living in the "end times" as defined in God's Word. As things seem to get worse day by day, most of us ask "How much longer can the earth withstand this bondage of corruption that increasingly fills the earth (Romans 8:19-23) and how much longer before Christ comes back and establishes His Kingdom?" While we wait for God to intervene and bring His Kingdom of justice and righteousness to this earth, what are we to be doing? There does not seem to be much that we can do humanly to stop the tsunami of evil and corruption; but there is something that we must do as Jesus exhorted His disciples to do after listing all the things that were going to happen at the end of this age in Luke 21. Jesus' message to us, just as it was to His beloved disciples in His day, is: "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 21:36). The Olivet Prophecy The conversation began when Jesus was with His disciples one day as they were in the Temple area and observing some things that were happening (Luke 21:1-4). Then one of the disciples remarked about the beauty of the Temple and of the richness of the stones and materials that decorated it. Jesus responded by saying, yes, they are beautiful now, but as incredible as it may seem, there will come a time when all these stones will be knocked down. Luke 21:5 And as some spake of the temple, how it was adorned with goodly stones and gifts, he said, 21:6 As for these things which ye behold, the days will come, in the which there shall not be left one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down. It was Jesus who changed the subject from the admiration of what the temple looked like at that moment, to comparing it to what it would look like in a few more years when Jerusalem would be sacked and destroyed in 70 A.D. by the Romans. But reading the context of the whole chapter we know that this is referring also to the end of the age. Jesus' remark then prompted the disciples to ask Him one burning question that they all had on their minds and the question was: What would be the sign showing that the end time (end of the age) is near and that His return would be imminent? Luke 21:7 And they asked him, saying, Master, but when shall these things be? and what sign will there be when these things shall come to pass? Matthew words the question this way: Matthew 24:3 And as he sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world? Jesus (who is also the Master Teacher) made use of His disciples' remark regarding the Temple as a stepping stone to then teach them what they should watch for in the future, and also to warn them about the ominous things that were going to occur. This was not just admonition and warning to them in their day, but Luke and Matthew recorded what was said in their Gospel accounts for all the disciples that would come; after right up to the end of this age. Just to clarify, the phrase "end of the world" as used in the Bible does not mean the total destruction of the planet or the extinction of mankind! It can mean two things as translated in the Bible. One meaning is: a far away distance, or away from the earth ("ends of the earth") such as it is used in Psalm 19 or or Isaiah 62. Psalm 19:3 There is no speech nor language, where their voice is not heard. 19:4 Their line is gone out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. In them hath he set a tabernacle for the sun. Isaiah 62:11 Behold, the LORD hath proclaimed unto the end of the world, Say ye to the daughter of Zion, Behold, thy salvation cometh; behold, his reward is with him, and his work before him. The other way it is used means the end of this present evil age and does not mean that the world is going to end in complete destruction. It can also refer to the years just prior to when Christ returns when iniquity reaches its full (i.e. the end times). Matthew 13:49 So shall it be at the end of the world: the angels shall come forth, and sever the wicked from among the just, 13:50 And shall cast them into the furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth. When Christ comes to put down the wicked leaders that are currently ruling the earth and He ushers in His holy righteous Kingdom, the world will dramatically transition from one of being filled with wickedness and destruction back to a beautiful, pristine Garden of Eden (a paradise) again. The evil age of man will end (end time) and the time of peace and restoration will begin. That is the real meaning of the "end of the world" and that is the meaning that Jesus and His disciples were referring to. Age Old Question Through the ages the question about when all these things would take place has come up time and time again, for many Bible readers are desperate to know when Christ will return to earth. There have been many false prophets that have predicted certain dates and those dates came and went without anything happening. But people still want to know if we are getting close, especially as it appears that we are entering unprecedented chaotic and dangerous times. From the many articles, commentaries, documentaries, books, movies, news casts that are focused on this very theme, this is still the burning question on many people's mind just as it was in the disciples' minds almost 2000 years ago. Scripture indicates that the return of Christ will be at a time when most of the world is not expecting Him. Just like a thief in the night (even though many things that were predicted by Christ would be happening), it will still be a surprise to those who are distracted by other things, and/or to those who do not believe that Christ really means what He says about coming again to this earth. Perhaps because of many false predictions that did not materialize made by false prophets throughout history, most people have become jaded into thinking that all those who believe that Christ is coming soon are religious fanatics or belong to some kind of apocalyptic cult. But this too, the scoffing and mocking, was predicted to be wide spread in the end times. 2nd Peter 3:3 Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts. 3:4 And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation. But for those who do believe that Christ is coming back soon, who are witnessing the pain and suffering that seems to be increasing everywhere around the world as a result of hatred, oppression, violence and war on this hostile planet earth; it is they who yearn for a world of righteousness and peace. Many of God's people "sigh and cry" over the inhumane atrocities that are taking place all over the planet (and they should be - Ezekiel 9:4). Everyday as we watch the sordid news events happening on our very screens (and as they continue to become ever more intense and even insane), we are seeing "through a glass darkly" that the prophecies do appear to be coming together. Those called of God and who are awake are beginning to see the handwriting on the wall. But it keeps going on and on and we do not see the key prophecies being fulfilled yet...and we naturally wonder...how much longer, God, before You return and fix it all? We know then that this discourse recorded in Luke 21 and Matthew 24 was meant to be a prophecy for the end times. It is what we call today the "Olivet prophecy"; a narrative of Jesus warning His disciples what the signs would be indicating that the end time was getting close. He spoke of certain events that would take place and what they must do when they see them happening; and then He ended the discourse with a very solemn warning aimed directly to them personally (which includes all that would become His disciples thereafter throughout the ages). Luke 21:34 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. 21:35 For as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth. [These things will catch unawares all the ungodly] 21:36 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. Many Scriptures in the Bible admonish us to take heed and to "watch" because the Day of the Lord (Christ's return) will come like "a thief in the night" to those who are not awake, alert, and diligently watching. Matthew 24:43 But know this, that if the good man of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken up. 1st Thessalonians 5:2 For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night. 2nd Peter 3:10 But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; What does it mean when Jesus tells us that we are to "watch," and how is it linked with His return? What is so important about watching and what is Jesus along with the apostles in their epistles, trying to get across to God's people? What does watching have to do with Christ returning as "a thief in the night"? Jesus gives a warning to His disciples that they must: "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 21:36) This verse is sometimes quoted and interpreted to mean that Jesus is urging us to stay abreast of all the latest news events so we can calculate about how close we are to Christ's return and to be ready for it. This is part of it, but there is so much more to this than just "watching the news" so we will know that Christ is about to return. In 1st Thessalonians 5, Paul tells us that those who are the called and faithful are the children of light and that it is to them that will be given the ability to discern the signs of the times; IF they stay watchful and continue in the light. 1st Thessalonians 5:3 For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape. 5:4 But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief. 5:5 Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness. It is God's children who are being faithful to His Word that will be able to see when certain things are beginning to happen; because first, they are keeping God's commandments (Psalm 111:10, Acts 5:32); second, they are diligently studying the Scriptures and know what the prophecies are; and third they will be staying close to God through prayer and even occasional fasting. These will be the people who will know what God's Word says about certain signs and prophetic events and will be able to recognize them when they begin to unfold. Paul tells the brethren that they are the children of light and because they are then they will not be sleeping as others when "Peace and Safety" is proclaimed; they will be knowledgeable about certain things and they will be discerning that the time is drawing near; therefore they will not be surprised when that day (the Lord's Day) should come. Paul exhorts the brethren to keep awake, to watch and to stay sober. These verses tell us that if we are not of the darkness, and if we are walking in the light of God's Word, that we will not be asleep as others are, who are not walking in the light of God's Word. We will be alert to what is really happening and will understand things that others are unable to understand. Paul continues by further admonishing his congregation to stay awake, be watchful, and remain sober. 1st Thessalonians 5:6 Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober. These verses in this chapter tell us that if we are not of the darkness, and if we are zealous to be walking in the light of God's Word, that we will not be asleep and we will not be in the dark about what is happening in the world (and within the Ekklesia). Paul here warns us that we are not to sleep as others do [as the rest of the world does] and further that we are to watch and to remain sober. To WATCH and be SOBER...what exactly does that mean in the context of what Paul is saying?
The Greek word translated "watch" is agrypnéō (Strong's #69) and means: to be sleepless, wakeful properly, no sleeping; (figuratively) staying vigilant (alert, attentive), i.e. without any unnecessary "time off." (HELPS Word Study)
The Greek word for "sober" is nḗphō (Strong's #3525) and means: To be sober, calm and collected in spirit; to be temperate, dispassionate, circumspect, vigilant, to be not intoxicated; (figuratively) free from illusion, i.e. from the intoxicating influences of sin (like the impact of selfish passion, greed, pride etc.). Refers to having presence of mind (clear judgment), enabling someone to be temperate (self-controlled); to be "uninfluenced by intoxicants" and means to have one's wits (faculties) about them, which is the opposite of being irrational. (HELPS Word-Studies and Strong's Concordance)
To be sober means to abstain from being drunken or intoxicated physically, but can also mean to be free from the spiritual intoxication of pride and sin. 1st Thessalonians 5:7 For they that sleep sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in the night. 5:8 But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation. Paul states further after exhorting the brethren in Thessalonia that they are to "stay awake spiritually", to be sober and "put on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation:" all of which are similar to his exhortations in his letter to the Ephesians. Paul further described what it means to be drunk and uses drunkenness as a metaphor for what it is like to be drunk spiritually. When we are drunk spiritually we stumble around in the dark, unaware of the danger around us; or it can be like those who are sleep-walking through life, dull to what is really happening in the world; it is like the proverbial "the head in the sand" mentality. Paul gives us detailed instructions on how we are to remain strong and not allow Satan to defeat us as outlined in his epistle to the Ephesians. The exhortations listed here in Scripture is another way of saying that we must watch and pray and be very vigilant in not letting the adversary get a foothold in our lives and trip us up. Ephesians 6:10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. 6:11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 6:12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. 6:13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 6:14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; 6:15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 6:16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. 6:17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: 6:18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; 6:19 And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel, 6:20 For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak. What Are We To Watch? When Jesus warns us to watch, what is it that we are to be watching? Are we to assume that it means to watch for the end time events to begin to happen so that we can be ready for them? or is there something else that is being implied by Him that is even more important in the meaning "to watch"? Jesus tells us in Luke 21:36 that we are to watch and pray always, that we may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, (escape the end time events that He had just expounded upon in the previous verses) in order to stand before Him (when he returns). Does that mean that our watching the current world news and how it relates to prophecy, combined with prayer, is what will account us worthy to escape and to stand before Him when He returns? The Bible implies that "to watch" indicates that there is something that is very important that we are to be watching or staying alert to. The previous two verses provides the context for what Jesus is telling us to "watch and pray" about. Luke 21:34 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. 21:35 For as a snare [To catch unawares all the ungodly] shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth. 21:36 Therefore we are to: "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." Another way of putting it in more modern terms is: This is actually telling us that we are to be careful, to be ON GUARD that we do not let our hearts be weighed down with self-indulgences and addictions and/or becoming overly concerned and anxious with the worldly cares that pertain to this life. If we are addicted to the things of this world, and are distracted by these things we will not see that day coming, we will not be prepared, and it will hit us suddenly as if we were caught in a trap or a noose; like an animal that is not watching where it is going and walks right into a hidden snare and is suddenly taken and is unable to escape. Jesus warned His disciples that they must be careful or their hearts would be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness and the anxieties of life; and then the events of the end times would close in on them suddenly. He cautioned that to prevent that from happening, they must keep a vigilant watch on their conduct and attitudes; and also to stay in a constant attitude of prayer that they may be able to escape all that is about to happen. We are to watch ourselves to avoid being caught up in worldly sins and if we are vigilant to not let that happen, we will qualify be able to stand before the Son of Man when He returns. Likewise, in His parable of the sowers, Jesus describes those who let the cares of this world and the lure of uncertain riches distract them from their calling and they become unfruitful. He contrasts them to those who take in the Word and are diligent to retain and grow from what they have been given. Mark 4:18 And these are they which are sown among thorns; such as hear the word, 4:19 And the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful. 4:20 And these are they which are sown on good ground; such as hear the word, and receive it, and bring forth fruit, some thirtyfold, some sixty, and some an hundred. The apostle John tells us not to love the things in the world that are not of eternal value; the temporal things that attempt to bait us to set our minds on what we can gain from this present world rather then to set our minds on the eternal riches that God has to offer. 1st John 2:15 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. From the context of Luke 22:34-35 we are able to see that the message is not necessarily a command to watch world events so that we will know when Jesus will return and we will know when we are to be ready. Rather, His instruction is a warning to watch, be alert, to be continually on guard as to how we are living and examining our lives to make sure we are walking in God's light, obeying God in all things, which is what "take heed to yourselves" is alerting us to. Jesus' message is instructing us to be vigilant about our own spiritual state, as well as being circumspect and spiritually AWAKE as to how we live our lives, making sure that we are staying on the strait and narrow, and not allowing ourselves to become weighed down with the burdens and cares of this world. He is warning us to the danger that, if we do not "watch" ourselves and keep "alert" to our spiritual condition, we could start to allow ourselves to become lackadaisical or (lukewarm) or lose God's Spirit altogether. If we are not diligently seeking God, then self-indulgence, selfishness, and material concerns (cares of this world) will creep up on us to distract us and possibly divert us from our spiritual responsibilities, (and even our calling) and we would find ourselves spiritually unprepared when the end does come. Like A Watchman The word translated "watch" means to have the alertness of a guard that is on duty at night and into the early hours of the morning when it is still dark. A night watchman must be even more vigilant than a daytime watchman; and since enemies will use the cover of darkness, he must use senses other than just sight to detect any dangerous situations. In the daytime, the watchman has the light of day to help him to spot any encroaching danger. But in the night when it is dark everything is different. A night watchman has to stay awake at a time when everyone else is sleeping and he is often left alone in the darkest part of night. He has to employ other senses besides just sight to detect the presence of an enemy; he has to have what most would call a keen "sixth sense" meaning he needs to have a well developed intuition that knows when things are not right, and also has to have an awareness that an attack can come at any time and most often happens SUDDENLY. So the watchman knows that he must always remain super vigilant and be aware of every detail in his surroundings and cognizant of all the undercover tactics that the enemy uses. This is the kind of "watching" that both Jesus and the apostles meant when they told us that we must watch and be sober in many places in the Bible. We are admonished to be on guard always, because our enemy is like a lion, he hides or disguises himself, stalking us as we make our way through life and usually strikes when least expected. And one of our defenses is prayer: To "pray always" [constantly be praying] as well as to watch. 1st Peter 5:8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Just as in Noah's Day War, violence, hatred, and chaos have been constants throughout the ages ever since Cain killed Abel. Many people over the centuries have believed wrongly that they were living in the end times. So why should God's people think that our times are any different? The people now living today may not realize it but we are truly living in an unprecedented period of human history. Human history began with a few people who helped determine the course of the rest of the world, and the vast multitudes that are living in this generation are the culmination of all the choices and events that have happened over the last 6000 years of man's rule on earth. At this point we must not set dates but as disciples of Christ and students of His Word, knowing history and knowing what the prophecies are, we can know what the Bible says will happen, and then connect the dots when those things begin to occur. The Bible gives us many warnings; but just as the people were before the flood, many just did not believe that God would actually bring judgment to the world in their day. It is the same today, the people of the world especially those in the western world, do whatever they want while shaking their fist at God and His commandments; at the same time they refuse to believe that judgment will come to them and to the nation that they belong to. 2nd Peter 3:3 Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts. 3:4 And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation. Matthew 24:37 But as the days of Noah were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. 24:38 For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark, 24:39 And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. 24:40 Then shall two be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left. 24:41 Two women shall be grinding at the mill; the one shall be taken, and the other left. 24:42 Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come. Even though it is our spiritual condition that we must watch foremost, watching world affairs does keeps us informed and we must not have a closed-minded view of prophecy as the world does. The Bible shows us that such blindness is what threw off the Scribes and the Pharisees to what God was doing in their day. They knew the Scriptures like the back of their hands, yet they still did not recognize the Messiah when He arrived on the scene; they rejected their own Savior and author of the Holy Scriptures that they claimed was their heritage; they instead blaspheme Jesus Christ, sentenced Him to death, and had Him executed on the cross. In these modern times, we, who live in the western societies, have all become use to prosperity and living in a fairly peaceful period for the last 70 years and many have come to have an entitlement mentality; the belief that we are entitled to the way things are even though we have kicked God out of our lives and out of our institutions. Because our generation has basically not learned how to sacrifice and what it is like to live in hard times like generations past, we think that we can do as we please and that everything is going to go on as it has been these past 70 years or so. Most of the world refuses to believe that Judgment is coming! But Brethren, we are living in the prophetic end time and we need to be prepared spiritually and mentally for whatever the future brings. Our times are in God's hands if we belong to Him and He will protect us from going through anything we cannot handle. Have strong faith in His providence and that will keep us in a peaceful frame of mind even as the times get more perilous. Psalm 31:15 My times are in thy hand: deliver me from the hand of mine enemies, and from them that persecute me. 31:16 Make thy face to shine upon thy servant: save me for thy mercies' sake. 31:17 Let me not be ashamed, O Lord; for I have called upon thee: let the wicked be ashamed, and let them be silent in the grave. Along with the world, most of those who make up the Ekklesia today are in a state of sleepiness for most are unaware of the condition that we have been lulled into in these modern times. There are many problems in the Ekklesia and just ignoring them and saying that "we are fine, at least our group is fine and that is all that matters, and there is unity among us", is not going to make the problems go away. Most are very much in denial, but there are some who are waking up and see a need to repent of our stubbornness and lack of oil (lack of having God's Spirit). All the messages to the seven churches of Revelation can apply to any one of us, but the most prominent attitude at the time of the end just before Christ returns is the Laodicean attitude. It is that attitude that is so prevalent in all of these COG groups. The lights in our lamps are barely flickering at this time and we need to wake up to that fact and do something about it. Revelation 3:14 And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God; 3:15 I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. 3:16 So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth. 3:17 Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked: 3:18 I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see. 3:19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent. 3:20 Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. This is exactly what Christ is talking about when He tells us to watch and pray that we do not allow ourselves to become blind to our condition of letting the cares of the world take precedence over the things of God. The COG corporate entities, for the most part, refuse to diligently study and prove the things that they teach and preach. Because of this and because they are still clinging to their false traditions even in this late hour, they are not in close relationship with Jesus Christ. Because we feel we do not need to study any more ,we have stopped growing for we feel we have all the truth that we need as taught by past church leaders and by our current ministers who do not want the brethren to study and to think for themselves. Again, this time in his letter to the brethren in Rome, Paul tells God's people that it is time to wake up for our salvation (end of our present world) is closer than what we think. Romans 13:11 And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed. Brethren, we must realize that the "end of this present age" for any one of us is just a heart beat or a breath away. We just do not know when "our end" as an individual will come. Therefore, Jesus is admonishing us to not only be ready when the end of this age comes upon us, but to ALWAYS BE READY no matter when that will be; for the end for us personally could be today, tonight, or tomorrow. The danger of not watching and staying alert to our own spiritual condition could lull us back into becoming sleepy and letting the things of the world entrap us regardless of what generation we live and die in; we can very easily allow men (and things ) to steal our crowns and then we would miss out on all the glorious things that the Father and Son had planned for us, forfeiting our opportunity to reign as a king and priest under them in the Kingdom and to have eternal life. Paul teaches us in Titus that we are to look for and to hope for Jesus' appearing, but at the same time we are to reject the worldly lusts and addictions; he is exhorting Titus (and those who would read his letter) that we are to use our time in seeking out the righteousness of God, always zealous to do "good works" [to obey God and keep all His Word]. Titus 2:12 Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; 2:13 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; 2:14 Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works. Whether we were to die before the end times or some time in past history, all the end time events with all the specific details would mean nothing to us! What really matters for every called out child of God, is that we had stayed watchful over our own spiritual condition, had a walk [a life] that was worthy of our high calling, and lived a life that was pleasing to God so that He could say "well done, thou good and faithful servant" when He does return. (Matthew 25:21) Luke 21:36 is not about becoming so obsessed with the current events to the detriment of our spiritual duties to grow in grace and knowledge of spiritual truth and character. As God's faithful people and as good stewards, we do need to keep alert and keep abreast of the current trends and conditions, but it is much more important to be watching and guarding our spiritual condition, to be sure to prepare spiritually, to keep growing, keep proving the things that we believe and are being taught, and then aptly apply God's teachings to our lives. We are to spend our time in protecting the precious truth that we have been given through our calling to partake of God's grace, and the privilege of being one of His people at this time. We are to be ready for when Christ returns, for sure, but if our end (the end of our lives) should come for us before that time comes; we are to be prepared and ready regardless, and it will be because we were watching and praying. On the other hand as we approach the end of this age and as our world seems to be going into more and more spiritual darkness, it seems only natural for those of us who know that Jesus is returning to this earth to want to watch for the signs of His coming. As we scan the news of each day we unconsciously (and sometimes consciously), look for clues in the things that are happening that could indicate that we are getting closer and closer. What appears to be certain end-time prophecies beginning to materialize and about to be fulfilled tend to validate our faith and hope that the Kingdom of God is right around the corner. Jesus did tell us to pray "Thy Kingdom come" and as God's precious children and as called out His watchmen, that is what we pray for every day. It breaks our hearts as we see the extreme suffering that is taking place throughout the earth, (especially the innocent children who are suffering the most). The people of the world cry out for deliverance from their pain and misery; a deliverance that only Christ can bring about. (Romans 8:19-23) As we witness the pain and suffering that seems to be increasing daily around the world as a result of hatred, oppression, violence and war on the part of the wicked, we yearn for a world of righteousness and
peace. Those who have a heart for God and the things of God "sigh and cry" over the corruption and inhumane atrocities that are taking place all over the world. And we can pray about these things which is something else Jesus told the disciples to do as they watched.
Next week we will conclude this message on watching and praying with Part 2 of this article.
Everyone have a wonderful Sabbath,
Constance | 
