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Luke 21:34, 36 - Always Be On Watch and Pray.

Luke 21:34, 36 (NIV) "Be careful, 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. ... 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, 36 (CWR) "So be careful not to be caught up in constant feasting and drinking and in the problems of life so that you don't think about anything else. If you do, the end will sneak up on you like a thief. ... Everyone needs to stay alert and pray to be strong enough to escape the evils of the last days and to stand joyfully before the Son of Man."

INTRODUCTION

   Jesus told the disciples to keep constant watch for his return. Although 2,000 years have passed since he spoke these words, their truth remains: Jesus is coming again, and we need to watch and be spiritually fit. This means working faithfully at the tasks God has given us. Don't let your mind and spirit be dulled by careless living or the foolish pursuit of pleasure. Don't let the cares of this life weigh you down. Be ready to move at God's command.
   Only days after telling the disciples to pray that they might escape persecution, Jesus himself asked the Father to spare him the agonies of the cross, if that was his will (22:41-42). It is not normal to want to suffer, but as Jesus' followers, we must be willing to suffer if by doing so we can help build God's Kingdom. We have two wonderful promises to help us as we suffer: (1) God will always be with us (Matthew 28:20), and (2) he will one day rescue us and give us eternal life (Revelation 21:1-4). [Life Application SB 2019]

COMMENTARY PEARL

Those who are watching for the Lord are purifying their souls by obedience to the truth. With vigilant watching they combine earnest working. Because they know that the Lord is at the door, their zeal is quickened to co-operate with the divine intelligences in working for the salvation of souls. DA634

COMMENTARY

The evil servant says in his heart, "My lord delayeth his coming." He does not say that Christ will not come. He does not scoff at the idea of His second coming. But in his heart and by his actions and words he declares that the Lord's coming is delayed. He banishes from the minds of others the conviction that the Lord is coming quickly. His influence leads men to presumptuous, careless delay. They are confirmed in their worldliness and stupor. Earthly passions, corrupt thoughts, take possession of the mind.  DA635

At the very time when the world is asking in scorn, "Where is the promise of His coming?" the signs are fulfilling. While they cry, "Peace and safety," sudden destruction is coming. DA635

ILLUSTRATION

Never Caught
   An Amazing Fact: Long before such a feat of engineering was thought possible, Lockheed Aircraft designed and built the most impressive aircraft to ever roam the skies. The first flight of an SR-71 "Blackbird" took place in 1964. For years, the Blackbird's maximum speed and altitude was kept top secret. But we now know the aircraft set two world records for absolute speed (2,193 miles per hour) and altitude (more than 85,068 feet).
   For more than 30 years, the SR-71 flew with impunity. With a normal cruising speed of Mach 3 and altitude of 80,000 feet, no missile or plane, then or now, could catch it. As a result, despite hundreds of reconnaissance missions over hostile enemy territory, not a single aircraft was lost to enemy fire.
   The Blackbird could fly from Los Angeles to Washington D.C. in one hour! It flew so fast that to refuel in-flight, the sleek jet had to fly as slow as possible and the refueling aircraft as fast as it could to prevent from being run over! The capabilities of the steel bird have not been surpassed: It could survey 100,000 square miles per hour. The SR-71 was retired in 1990, although it saw temporary reinstatement after Gulf War reconnaissance shortcomings. Even with all the amazing advances in modern aviation technology since, no aircraft can fly faster or higher than the Blackbird.
   We would do well to learn from the Blackbird. The Bible encourages us to watch carefully and not be caught off guard regarding Christ's second coming. "But take heed to yourselves, lest your hearts be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness, and cares of this life, and that Day come on you unexpectedly. For it will come as a snare on all those who dwell on the face of the whole earth" (Luke 21:34, 35).
   When we take time every day to study our Bibles and live with an awareness that these are the last days, not a single Christian will be "lost to enemy fire." Like the Blackbird, we will never be caught off guard. [Moving Mountains by Amazing Facts]

PRACTICAL APPLICATION

BE C.A.L.M.
   Anxiety is not a sin; it is an emotion. Anxiety can, however, lead to sinful behavior. When we numb our fears with six-packs or food binges, when we spew anger like Krakatau, when we peddle our fears to anyone who will buy them, we are sinning.
   Is your heart weighed down with worry?
   If you answered yes to that question, I have a friend for you to meet. Actually, I have a scripture for you to read: Philippians 4:4-8. Five verses with four admonitions that lead to one wonderful promise: "the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds" (v.7 ESV).
   Celebrate God's goodness. "Rejoice in the Lord always" (v.4 ESV).
   Ask God for help. "Let your requests be made known to God" (v. 6 ESV).
   Leave your concerns with him. "With thanksgiving ..." (v.6 ESV).
   Meditate on good things. "Think about the things that are good and worthy of praise" (v. 8 NCV).
   Celebrate. Ask. Leave. Meditate. In other words, be C.A.L.M. [You Can Count On God by Max Lucado]

CLOSING THOUGHT

There will be no future probation in which to prepare for eternity. It is in this life that we are to put on the robe of Christ's righteousness. This is our only opportunity to form characters for the home which Christ has made ready for those who obey His commandments. The days of our probation are fast closing. The end is near. {COL 319}

LINK FOR FURTHER STUDY

Philippians 4:6-8 - CURE FOR ANXIETY AND WORRY.
https://www.abible.com/devotions/2022/20220624-0817.html

LINKS WORTH CHECKING OUT

https://abible.com/links/