The Importance Of “Watch And Pray” cannot be overemphasised. It is the greatest prerequisite for being prepared to meet the Lord Jesus Christ when he comes the second time. This view was well dealt with by different speakers at our annual Easter weekend Jamaica Bible School. In our studies we found that among the various words that can be used for “watch” are: look, see, peep, glance, stare, and stand guard. Of these, the last stated seems to take priority over the others.
“Stand guard”
True believers must “stand guard” so that the signs of Jesus’ appearance on earth are well understood and pondered in their hearts. A soldier is always on the alert. His mind and eyes are wide open. He must see and hear what is happening around him. Every usual and unusual sound or movement is observed. Failure to “stand guard” means death, as the enemy will catch him off guard. Jesus is our friend — our Saviour. He asks us to “watch and pray” in order to be ready for him at his second advent. If we disobey this command, it will be death for us, as our great enemy is always ready to pounce.
He asks no less
Jesus asked his disciples to “watch and pray” so that they could be strengthened to follow him, for their journey would be long and dangerous. He asks no less of us today. If we will be Jesus’ disciples, we have to be obedient to his words. Don’t let the cares of this world crowd our minds so badly that there is no space for the Lord.
If we are watching and praying this will be reflected in every aspect of the life we live. The true believer is full of mercy, kindness, gentleness and inner beauty. There is nothing to hide or be ashamed of. There is love and understanding among us. If one is overtaken in a fault, he or she will accept correction with an open mind. Paul reminds us not to burden our leaders too much as they watch over our souls (Heb. 13:17). Correction wakes us up and keeps us on our guard. Can you “watch and pray” when your heart is bitter, hurt and angry? Anger is like killing with the gun. Are you still angry with your brother?
Obey his words
In the sermon on the mount, Jesus warns us to build on the Rock (Matt. 7:24-25). It is not good enough just to listen. We must “obey”, meaning apply his teaching practically in daily life. Jesus is not interested in lip service. He wants a change of heart. Not everyone who says to him “Lord! Lord!” will enter into the Kingdom of God. It is only the doers of the will of the Father who are justified now and will be exalted tomorrow (Matt. 7:21; Rom. 2:13). No one likes to be separated. Most times the act of separation is painful. Jesus does not want to be separated from us, but in the end the disobedient and rebellious ones will be cast away to destruction.
A call to eternal life
Many of us are less fortunate and poor in this life. Do we feel honoured and uplifted to know that Jesus has called us to eternal life? It is time for us to rejoice and be glad for the wonderful opportunity given to us by the Lord. How often do we turn up our noses at the poor and needy? We even judge them by the clothes they wear. That is what they did to our Saviour. He was from an insignificant town in Galilee, which was considered as we in the West Indies speak of “coming from country.” He was also a “mere” carpenter’s son. But even to those who hated him, he offered “better things.” In John 10:10, Jesus said, “I came that they might have life, and have it more abundantly.”
The empty tomb
The record and reality of the empty tomb remind us that Jesus rose triumphantly from the grave and is alive forevermore. Luke 21:36 encourages us to “watch and pray” always, that we may be accounted worthy to escape all God’s judgments that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man. There is a day appointed when our Lord will come and establish his Father’s Kingdom on earth. Those who “watch and pray” will be ready to meet our blessed Saviour. 0 how rich the promise!
The Origin of the Organic World – Part One