Anchor My Faith

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Author: Stephen Weller
680 words, 4 minutes read time

Watch, Stay Awake and Pray

Scripture: Luke 21:34-36

In the previous lesson we considered the meaning of “this generation” but were unable to determine what it meant. We also determined that no one knows, not even Jesus, when Christ will return. In this lesson we will finish this section by seeing the importance of being ready for his return.

^{Lk 21:34} “But watch yourselves lest your hearts be weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and cares of this life, and that day come upon you suddenly like a trap. ³⁵ For it will come upon all who dwell on the face of the whole earth. ³⁶ But stay awake at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that are going to take place, and to stand before the Son of Man.”

Jesus gives two warnings to those who will be alive at the time of the end. In verse 34 they are to watch themselves and in verse 36 they are to stay awake at all times. Both of these warnings involve being prepared and remaining faithful. An example is found in Luke 12:35 – 48. For this lesson consider just verses 35 – 36 ESV: ³⁵ “Stay dressed for action and keep your lamps burning, ³⁶ and be like men who are waiting for their master to come home from the wedding feast, so that they may open the door to him at once when he comes and knocks.”

Paul speaks of this in 1 Thessalonians 5:2 – 4 ESV: ² “For you yourselves are fully aware that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. ³ While people are saying, “There is peace and security,” then sudden destruction will come upon them as labor pains come upon a pregnant woman, and they will not escape. ⁴ But you are not in darkness, brothers, for that day to surprise you like a thief.”

“That day” speaks of the day when the Son of Man comes, and the kingdom comes in its fullness. Verse 35 extend what Jesus is saying to the people in Judea to the whole earth.

To “stay awake at all times” does not mean we are not to sleep, but means we are to stay spiritually alert. That alertness is made possible through prayer as they pray for strength to endure and escape the horrible things that will happen before Christ’s return. It will be a time they will need pray to not lose heart but to remain faithful. The main prayer is to be a believer to escape God’s judgment and stand before him and hear, “Well Done.”

An observation I would like to express is considering how little Jesus has said, so far, about a rapture of believers before these tumultuous events, why is there such an emphasis being placed on a pre-tribulation rapture today? Jesus says nothing about being raptured before the tribulation period, but he seems to be saying that we should pray for strength and protection through that time. Revelation is clear that there will be a multitude of believers who will be martyred during the tribulation period; many more than are being martyred today in countries of persecution.

Conclusion

Being born in the 30’s I have lived long enough to see a progression in events that point to the last days. Advances in technology and deepening spiritual darkness is setting the stage for antichrist and his great deception and coming bondage and suffering. The coming tribulation will be a time of global oppression against Christians as authority is granted to the antichrist to overcome them (Revelation 13:7). Jesus says to watch, stay awake and pray. If those who teach a pre-tribulation rapture are wrong will you be prepared for what you will experience? Am I wrong in at least warning you of this possibility?