Matthew 24:42 – “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come.”
What Does “Keeping Watch” Mean?
“Keeping watch” signifies attentiveness, vigilance, and readiness for Christ’s return.
It’s living with anticipation for His glorious arrival, free from worldly distractions, temptations, and complacency.
We are to be diligent, faithful, and fruitful in our lives.
Why Keep Watch?
The unknown timing of Christ’s return necessitates watchfulness.
He could come unexpectedly, like a thief in the night, or after a delay. We want to be ready to meet Him, hear His praise, and enter His kingdom.
We aim to avoid unpreparedness, shame, rejection, or condemnation.
Keeping Watch: Putting it into Practice
- Staying Close to Christ: Abide in Him, letting His word dwell within you. Pray, listen, obey, worship, serve, and follow His example.
- Connecting with His Body: Fellowship with believers, encouraging and edifying one another. Forgive, love, witness, make disciples, and seek His kingdom and righteousness.
- Staying Alert: Discern the times and signs (both of His coming and His grace). Resist the devil, endure hardship, trust His promises, and remain faithful.
Helping Others Keep Watch
- Sharing the Gospel and Hope: Spread the good news of His death and resurrection. Invite repentance and faith. Share His forgiveness, love, and coming judgment, urging others to be ready.
- Leading by Example: Live a life that pleases and glorifies Him. Reflect His grace, truth, power, peace, character, and beauty. Shine His light and love.
- Praying Together: Intercede for each other’s needs, thanking God for faith and praising His work. Seek His guidance, wisdom, will, and way.
Keeping watch isn’t passive or fearful, but an active and joyful pursuit. It’s a privilege, not a burden, a meaningful endeavor, a communal journey.
Let’s keep watch together, eagerly awaiting His glorious return.
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