Wednesdays Words

WATCH

Watch - gregoreuo (gray-gor-yoo'-o); to keep awake, i.e. watch (literally or figuratively):

To watch means to be looking for, awake and aware to be watchful

Mark 13:34-37 “The coming of the Son of Man can be compared with that of a man who left home to go on a trip. He gave each of his employees instructions about the work they were to do, and he told the gatekeeper to watch for his return. So keep a sharp lookout! For you do not know when the homeowner will return-- at evening, midnight, early dawn, or late daybreak. Don't let him find you sleeping when he arrives without warning. What I say to you I say to everyone: Watch for his return!”

Jesus told this parable in order to teach us to be always vigilant in our watching for His return.

Look at the phrases He uses here:

· Watch for His return

· Keep a sharp lookout

· Don’t let Him find you sleeping

· Watch for His return

Are we watching for His return today? A few may be; but I fear that many of us have settles into a place

of comfort and complacency. We are not really anticipating the return of Jesus Christ with faith and

anticipation.

Luke 21:36 “Keep a constant watch. And pray that, if possible, you may escape these horrors and stand

before the Son of Man.”

If we truly are awake and watchful for Christ’s return we will:

• Repent
• Seek His Kingdom above all else
• Pray with fervent faith
• Study His Word
• Actively share His Gospel while there is still time
• Support and serve His Church

Watching and waiting for the return of Jesus will be the hardest yet most fulfilling work you will ever do; and nothing we do in this world is as important.

We must plan as though Christ were not coming for 10 years yet live at though He were coming in ten seconds.

What is keeping you from the watchful faith that we are called to? Pray and ask God to identify these in your life, agree with Him that they are damaging your relationship with Him and change the way your life is led to join what God’s Will is for your life.

Luke 21:34-36 “Watch out! Don't let me find you living in careless ease and drunkenness, and filled with the worries of this life. Don't let that day catch you unaware, as in a trap. For that day will come upon everyone living on the earth. Keep a constant watch. And pray that, if possible, you may escape these horrors and stand before the Son of Man."

(all scripture from the New Living Translation)