Wednesday, April 28, 2010

Take heed to yourselves

Luke 21:33-36: "Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away 34 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 35 For it will come as a snare on all those who dwell on the face of the whole earth. 36 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."

Jesus was preparing His followers for the end times because He did not want His followers to be ignorant. Jesus promised that there was a time of punishment and judgment that would come upon this earth. After Jesus is resurrected from the grave, He will ascend into heaven to sit at the right hand of God, for a time. After a designated time, Jesus will come back and establish His earthly kingdom. In the mean time, God in His loving mercy has given humanity time to make peace with Him, through His son, Jesus. John 14:6 says, “Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.’” This wonderful time in history is that part of His plan that provides for this world a chance to put their trust and faith in Jesus, for He died for our sins.

He was warning His followers that they need to get their lives right with God because this terrible time of Holy persuasion called the tribulation will come and the trials will be severe. Jesus told His followers they needed to stop focusing on pleasing themselves; He instructed them to start focusing on pleasing God. He warns, “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.” Jesus makes a point to say see the signs of the times, this tribulation is coming. However, He does say it will sneak up on this world like a thief that comes in the night. He says prepare yourselves so you can escape the things to come.

Jesus urged His followers to “watch and pray”. This thing is coming and there is no stopping it. However, you can prepare for it. Watch means to stay awake, by keeping an alert eye on your spiritual condition; making sure you are spiritually ready for this moment. The watching here is not a passive thing like watching a game, but rather an active watching, such as a soldier watching for an enemy. Praying implies binding oneself to your Savior. Binding yourself to Jesus will make verse 36 real in your life.

Tomorrows Readings:
Old Testament: 11 Sam 21-22 New Testament Luke 22:1-30

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