Luke 21

“Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man.” Luke 21:36 NKJV

For many of our activities we take time initially to prepare ahead of time for them. For example, when we have an upcoming test or exam, we study. Before a physical game or going for a jog, we stretch our muscles to warm them up. In preparation for company coming over, we plan out a meal and perhaps tidy up the house a little. All these examples, along with many more, are not uncommon.

So the question is, how well are we are preparing for our eternity? The above verse encourages us to prepare by watching and praying. In watching out, we are to take heed so that we will be aware of the temptation before us, not being overpowered by it, and not conceding to our sinful desires.

The verse also reminds us that we are to pray always. 1 Thessalonians 5:17 tells us to, “pray continually.” For it is not in our own strength, nor in our own abilities that allows us to conquer temptation; it is only through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Our danger will be when the day of judgement comes upon us and we are not prepared. If that has been the furthest from our thoughts, when it should have been the nearest to our hearts, what terror and destruction we will experience. Through watching and always praying, we prepare ourselves for the day when we will stand before the Son of Man.

May we watch against sin and always pray so that we might obey Christ’s precepts and follow His example, so that when He does return, we would be found watching and not wandering.