Luke 21:8-9, 25-27, 33-36 - Be on the Look out!

And He said: “Take heed that you not be deceived. For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am He,’ and, ‘The time has drawn near.’ Therefore do not go after them.

  

But when you hear of wars and commotions, do not be terrified; for these things must come to pass first, but the end will not come immediately.

 

And there will be signs in the sun, in the moon, and in the stars; and on the earth distress of nations, with perplexity, the sea and the waves roaring;

 

men’s hearts failing them from fear and the expectation of those things which are coming on the earth, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken.

 

Then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.

 

Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away.

 

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.

 

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.

Standing Watch against all dangers!
photo by Flickr user  Arnoooo, used under the creative commons license.
check out more photos at;
http://www.flickr.com/photos/studiobeeldruis/

Jesus calls us to watch. It would be very easy in today's world to get caught up in all the things that try to occupy our soul's attention.  With the twenty-four news cycle and with all sorts of media bombarding us, we always have reason to despair and worry. We hear about wars and commotions but we are not to be terrified. We see distress all about us and we are not to give into its desire to bring us down. Rather, we are to watch, looking for the Son of Man.

Yes, Jesus will return someday. Therefore, I should look to myself and not let my heart be weighed down by all the cares of this life. Nor, should I let these cares lead me to a sort of escapism where I would just ignore the problems of this life with alcohol or any type of carousing. Instead, Let me stand watch, with the Scriptures in my hands and prayers upon my lips, calling out for the Mercy of God!

Stand watch, o my soul, and be vigilant  For the Words of the Son of Man will come true. Heaven and earth may pass but His promises remain firm. And as the words of the Creed affirm, He will come again to judge the living and the dead. Strengthen me, my Lord by Your Grace and the prayers of all Your Saints so that the Day does not take me by surprise. Amen.