Daily Reflections
Luke 21:34-36
The idea of being prepared is rooted in society. Students prepare for exams, pregnant mothers prepare for labour, political parties prepare for elections and a good scout, of course, is always prepared! Each of us is called to prepare, One might ask – prepare for what? There are two key events that we need to get ready for – both of which no human being past, present or future can avoid. These are our own death and the second coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Both are as certain as the air we breathe.
Jesus, expert in humanity that he was, knew that we needed help to think clearly on these issues. Our inclination is more towards negligence, towards being consumed by things of this world. The Lord expressed this tendency succinctly and directly: ‘but take heed to yourselves lest your hearts be weighed down the dissipation and drunkenness and cares of this life, and that day come upon you suddenly like a snare’ (Luke 21:34). If dissipation and drunkenness aren’t our thing then the ‘cares of this life’ almost certainly are! Most of what we encounter in our day-to-day lives conspires to keep us rooted to the things of this earth.
Money, worries, anxiety, the pace of life and then the demands of the tyrant we call time close in on us daily. It doesn’t matter who we are, most of us are at times over-whelmed by life. Jesus describes this predicament as a trap or snare. Why? Because in an instant these realities could be surpassed by God, eternity and judgement. In a moment our lives could be over. We don’t like to dwell on this, but it’s the truth. In the same way in a moment, an instant, the twinkle of an eye, the Lord could return.
How are we to prepare? The best thing to do is to take Jesus’ advice- which is to watch and pray. We are on the eve of the season of Advent. During this time we are encouraged to watch and pray – especially for the Second Coming. If we grasp the significance of the first coming we shall groan and long for the second. The Holy Spirit is the One who enlightens us. He is the One who shows us how brief our lives are. He is the One who prompts us to pray and set aside the time to retreat and be still with God. The Holy Spirit is the One who longs most of all for return of Jesus.
He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!
(Rev. 22:20)
Revelation 22:1-7 • Psalm 94(95):1-7
Luke 21:34-36
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