Why Does Jesus call us to Watch? ~ Christine Malkemes
Dear Sister Disciples,
I understand that it comes as no surprise that Jesus calls us to be ready, but what does He mean by watchfulness?
We are no strangers to spiritual disciplines of prayer, reading the Bible, fasting, and obedience. But watchfulness is a spiritual discipline too – one not readily practiced in our quick and busy schedules.
Spiritual watchfulness requires watching over our soul carefully and mindfully. Let no evil sabotage our spiritual growth.
Reading Plan: Luke 12:35-48 Watchfulness – You Must Be Ready
Our spiritual life is precious and treasured by every believer. But, unfortunately, it has a slew of enemies that wait to attack while using every charm possible to sabotage your intimate relationship with the Lord.
It takes diligence to preserve our spiritual life. More than diligence, though, we need to be watchful.
A watchful Christian knows the value of their life, is acquainted with the enemy, and desires to preserve their spiritual life. Watchfulness requires standing guard over your soul and setting your heart on His word.
The Word:
Be dressed, ready for service, and keep your lamps burning, like servants waiting for their Master to return… so that when He comes and knocks, they can immediately open the door for Him. It will be good for those servants whose Master finds them watching when He comes… You also must be ready because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect Him. Luke 12:35-37a & 40
Watchfulness requires “first-hand” experience in prayer and standing alert in the whole armor of the Lord. The spiritual influences of the Holy Spirit are not foreign to the watchful believer.
It is good to hear other’s testimony, and history reminds us to prayerfully consider the Lord’s will, purposes, and ways. Anyone with first-hand knowledge of God’s faithful care will be an eyewitness of His goodness.
As sister disciples, let us not be satisfied with other’s testimony. Hearsay is never as good as a personal encounter with the Most High. Seek the ancient paths with eyes wide open and ears tuned to the voice of Christ Jesus.
The Word
We have heard with our ears, O God; our fathers have told us what you did in their days long ago. Psalm 44:1
Be ye watchful!
Those three words are more than an invitation to look for Jesus; it’s a command to be aware of your surroundings and not caught off guard.
Watch!
You do not know the hour or the time when Jesus will return. Yet, we are closer to it today than ever before; we need to watch faithfully. A good number of believers have become emotional gatherers of information on the end times. Such signs are real, remember they’re given to the faithful, not the faithless.
Your watchfulness strengthens the spiritual life of the soul.
It is more than just a call to prepare for His second coming, but a call to be ready in thoughts, words, and deeds. Watch that the soul is safe from sin. Strive that your entire conduct may be in harmony with God’s will.
Your watchfulness is not in vain.
The Word
Blessed is the one who listens to Me, watching daily at my gates, waiting beside My doors. Proverbs 8:34
The believer guards her heart jealously and knows the enemy refuses let his guard down; he’s active and ready to bounce at a moment’s notice.
Watch out that you don’t live in the long-distance relationship, half done, put off, or merely an attempted life in the deeper Christian life.
When the body’s heart stops, let God find you falling asleep in His arms. Draw no line between the sacred and the secular.
Be aware God’s watchful eyes are watching you who are watchful.
The Word
Be on your guard, stand firm in the faith, be courageous, be strong. 1 Corinthians 16:13
So, How Now Should I Live?
- Will we have plenty of time to make things right with God?
- Will the sands of time always fall with a gentle warning?
- Will you be called to join Him in Paradise today?
Will God find you faithful when He comes?
The enemy of watchfulness is confidence in tomorrow. Watch out! Tomorrow may not come, and you only have today before you give an account.
Guard your heart jealously and proceed with caution.
Ponder the path you’re on and seek the Holy Spirit’s counsel. Keep your eye out for all that enters your soul so that the enemies – the devil, the world, and the flesh – will not sneak in the cause harm to your spiritual life.
Sloth is an animal, not the character of a disciple of Christ.
The Word
Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time, He may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on Him because He cares for you. Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. 1 Peter 5:6-9
