Matthew 21:34-36

There is so much going on in our everyday life that we can place our relationship with God at the back of our mind…thankful for our salvation and the hope of our calling but at the same time not front and center each and every day. This is a dangerous spiritual place to be. Jesus knew that it was expedient that He leave this world so that the Father would send the Holy Spirit to abide in us and guide us until we pass from this life into the eternal. He is our teacher and constant companion as we walk this earth and He will take the things of God in Christ and explain them to us. He will get us safely home.

Though the events of the end times may not come to pass for a long time, believers should continue to look for their arrival. The Day of Jesus’ return should not take us by surprise. We should live as if it is imminent.

Matthew 21:34-36

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.”

1 John 2:28 

Jesus encouraged His disciples to be persistent in prayer and faith, looking for the day when the Son of Man exonerates the faithful in the judgment, so that they are able to stand before Him.

Watch therefore, for you do not know what hour your Lord is coming. ⁴³ But know this, that if the master of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched and not allowed his house to be broken into. ⁴⁴ Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect. 

Matthew 24:42–44

and the cares of this world, the deceitfulness of riches, and the desires for other things entering in choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful. 

Mark 4:19

Let us walk properly, as in the day, not in revelry and drunkenness, not in lewdness and lust, not in strife and envy. 

Romans 13:13

But the end of all things is at hand; therefore be serious and watchful in your prayers. 

1 Peter 4:7

“Behold, I am coming as a thief. Blessed is he who watches, and keeps his garments, lest he walk naked and they see his shame.” 

Revelation 16:15